Texas is where the AMBER Alert began, but Sam Allen was entering uncharted territory when he was hired to become the state's first statewide AMBER Alert Coordinator in 2004. As one of the nation's few "full-time" AMBER Alert coordinators, Allen relied on his 15 years of experience at the Texas Department of Public Safety to make this new job work.
"You walk in and figure it out as you go," said Allen. "This has been the most challenging and the most rewarding job I have ever had."
To begin, he developed an accredited statewide training program for law enforcement personnel. The program has grown exponentially along the way. From September 2008 to August 2010, Allen instructed 76 courses for 3,397 people. Another 3,745 people were trained through the department's online program.
"With 254 counties in Texas, having an online training resource is one of the smartest decisions we have ever made," said Allen. "Considering the staffing and economic challenges most law enforcement agencies face today, it is difficult to send personnel out-of-town for training."
Allen also put together an AMBER Alert Steering Committee and an After-Action Review Board to troubleshoot the state's network and promote effective alert coordination. Media, transportation, and law enforcement representatives work as partners to combat child abductions. "Listen and learn from your partners," he said. "Communication is everything. Keep an open mind and be ready to accept and make changes."
In addition to the state's AMBER Alert network, Texas has 18 independent regional programs that issue their own AMBER Alerts. Regional programs include multiple counties, spanning large geographical areas of the state. "We have regional programs with population centers larger than some U.S. states," said Allen. Several regional programs in Texas incorporate counties of adjoining states, and one program includes areas in Mexico.
Each year, Allen organizes a two-day summit for all regional AMBER Alert Coordinators. "I am like the phone company. I am here to connect people," Allen said. "Knowledge is the way to fight the battle, so we are not desensitizing the public to AMBER Alerts."
The coordinators plan the itinerary, which ensures the discussions are relevant and engaging. "If you are a new coordinator, you are going to need all the help you can get," said Allen. "The networking and information give new and seasoned coordinators a friend or two to call upon during future AMBER Alerts."
During the past seven years, Allen has also kept up with the Texas legislature. State lawmakers have tweaked the AMBER Alert program, added a Silver Alert for missing senior citizens, along with a Blue Alert for suspects who have seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer. Legislators are now considering another alert for people with intellectual disabilities.
Allen keeps statistics on all the alerts. The numbers for statewide alerts as of June 1, 2011, include the following:
- 68 AMBER Alerts involving the safe recovery of 75 children (beginning August 2002)
- 2 Blue Alerts involving the location of one suspect (beginning August 2008)
- 226 Silver Alerts involving the safe recovery of 212 senior citizens (beginning September 2007)
"I track everything," said Allen. "I want to know how many were on foot and how many were in a vehicle. Statistics are vital toward making informed decisions."
When he has spare time, Allen likes to bowl, watch movies, and play video and board games. "I'm a big geek," said Allen. "However, I have made this job a priority because Texas citizens expect my best when it comes to the safety of their families and loved ones."
"I like working with people who are making a difference to save lives," he added. "I want to fight for those who can't fight for themselves."