What is BC Amber Alert?
BC’s Amber Alert is a tool used by the police in certain child abduction situations to assist in the search for the child and suspect.
Amber Alert is a province-wide, innovative partnership among the province’s law enforcement community, media broadcasting agencies and the public to locate abducted children.
It provides the public with immediate and up-to-date information about a child abduction via widespread media broadcasts and solicits the public’s help for the safe and prompt return of the child.
When an Amber Alert is issued, radio and TV audiences will
hear a special announcement. It is hoped that this early warning system will
not only coerce a kidnapper into releasing the child for fear of being arrested
but also deter the person from committing the crime in the first place. Stranger
abductions are rare in
Amber Alert is used by law enforcement agencies in
Why Amber Alert was created?
Amber Alert was created in 1996 as a powerful legacy to nine-year
old Amber Hagerman who was kidnapped and murdered in
Amber was dragged from her bicycle while riding in a shopping
centre near her home. Her body was found four days later. The news of Amber’s
murder outraged the entire community and mobilized residents to take action.
Following her murder, concerned individuals contacted local radio stations
in the
In response to this recommendation and the community’s concern
for the safety of local children, the Dallas/Fort Worth
Association of Radio Managers, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies
in northern
BC Amber Alert Activation Criteria
Law enforcement agencies are required to ensure that the following conditions are met before activating an Amber Alert
· Police have confirmed that an abduction has occurred.
· The victim is a child.
· There is reason to believe the victim is in danger of serious bodily injury.
· Information is available that, if broadcast to the general public, could assist in the safe recovery of the victim.
BC Amber Alert Guidelines
· Amber Alert is only activated by authorized users within law enforcement agencies.
· Amber Alert is intended only for the most serious, time-critical child abduction cases.
· Amber Alert is not intended for cases involving runaways or parental abductions, except in life-threatening situations.
What to do when an Amber Alert is activated?
The public plays a critical role in the success of the BC Amber Alert. When an Amber Alert is activated:
· You will hear a special message on local radio and TV stations
· Watch for the child, suspect and/or the vehicle described from the information received from the police.
· Immediately report any sightings and provide as much information as possible to the police by calling 911.
· For your safety and the safety of the child do not approach or intervene.
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