Mobile Amber Alerts

From LoveToKnow Safety

When you sign up for mobile Amber Alerts you are notified by a text message received on your mobile phone that a child in your area has been abducted.

The Importance of an Amber Alert

Issued by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, known as NCMEC, an Amber Alert notifies the public that a child has been abducted. This is done through the issuance of an urgent news bulletin informing the public of the kidnapping. Information included in the emergency bulletin includes a description of the child and any known information about the kidnapper and the vehicle being used. A contact number is also included.

Started as a result of the kidnapping and murder of Amber Hagerman in 1996, the emergency notification system has evolved from a city-wide system in Dallas, Texas, to a national system throughout the United States. Studies show that when a child is kidnapped, the first three hours are a critical time for recovering the child safely.

An Amber Alert enlists the aid of everyone in helping to find the missing child as soon as possible. The alerts are issued through many channels including:

  • Television and radio stations
  • Mobile phones
  • SMS messaging systems
  • Electronic traffic signs and LED billboards
  • Computer e-mail
  • Scrolling boards at various locations such as lottery terminals

What is the Wireless Amber Alert Initiative?

A voluntary partnership was set up between the wireless industry, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the United States Department of Justice. The purpose of the partnership is to distribute Amber Alerts to anyone who opts in to receive the emergency messages. The emergency notifications are delivered as text messages to mobile phones and other wireless devices.

Adding Your Wireless Device to Receive Mobile Amber Alerts

As a subscriber to a wireless service you can opt in to receive the mobile text alerts. The emergency notification system is free and is available in all 50 states. A list of wireless carriers offering this service is available at The Wireless Foundation website.

When you sign up for the Amber Alert mobile notification system, you can designate up to five zip codes. You will be notified if there is an Amber Alert activation within the zip code areas chosen. It is important to note that in the case of a city with multiple zip codes, you need to list only one of them to receive alerts for the entire city.

The Criteria for Issuing an Amber Alert

There are strict criteria that must be met in order for an Amber Alert to be issued.

  • Law enforcement officials must be reasonably certain that a child has been abducted
  • The person abducted must be 17 years old or younger
  • Law enforcement officials must believe the kidnapped child is in danger of death or serious bodily injury that is imminent
  • To issue an Amber Alert activation there must be sufficient information regarding the description of the child and the abduction
  • Information must be entered into the National Crime Information Center including the child’s name, relevant personal information and the Child Abduction flag

How the Wireless Amber Alert System is Activated

From the time a child abduction takes place to the time you receive the text message informing you of the abduction, the following steps are taken:

  • A child abduction is reported to law enforcement officials meeting all the criteria for issuing an Amber Alert.
  • The alert is issued by the law enforcement agency, and it also notifies The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
  • The message of the Amber Alert is formatted by The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and they electronically send it to Syniverse
  • The Amber Alert notification message is sent to the wireless carriers by Syniverse
  • The Amber Alert text message is sent by each wireless carrier to its subscribers

Signing up to receive mobile Amber Alerts adds your eyes and ears to those of the many caring people helping to assist in the safe return of an abducted child.

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