Issue 13

This issue is dedicated to the origins of the AMBER Alert program, detailing how it was inspired by the 1996 murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman and initiated by a collaboration between local broadcasters and the Arlington Police Department. The summary explains how the program’s early success led to its widespread adoption. This edition also features stories on the Surviving Parent’s Coalition, the challenges of implementing the program in tribal communities with a profile on Coordinator of the Year Mark Hill, and a successful front-lines recovery in Phoenix. Additionally, it includes a brief on Ireland’s plan to develop an AMBER Alert program and a reminder for parents to keep current photos of their children.

For the best viewing of this file, ensure your browser and PDF viewer are updated to the latest versions.

Download PDF

Features

In the Beginning: How the AMBER Alert Plan Began

Two phone calls, one letter, and perhaps some divine intervention was all it took to get the AMBER Alert Plan [..]

Front Lines: Phoenix, Arizona

A 5-year-old girl was outside [..]

Profile: Mark Hill

Mark Hill had just celebrated [..]

Difference Makers

At the 2009 National AMBER Alert Symposium, family members of child abduction victims held a candlelight vigil for all victims. A large crowd joined more than 40 family members as they offered a prayer, sang songs, and lit a candle to expose the dark crimes committed against children.

Arizona Considers Law to Ban Covering Up License Plates

Arizona legislators are proposing a law that would make it illegal to obscure your license plate. Lawmakers say a law is needed because people have...

Los Angeles Police Use ‘Twitter-Like’ Tool to Send AMBER Alerts

The Los Angeles Police Department is now using a new mass communication system called Nixle to notify the public about AMBER Alerts and other emergencies...

North Carolina Woman Faces Prison for False AMBER Alert

A North Carolina woman pleaded guilty to federal charges for telling police her 3-year-old son had disappeared from a flea market. Police issued an AMBER...

AMBER Alert Signs May Be Used for Highway Advertising

The first state to place AMBER Alerts on electronic highway signs may be the first to also use the signs for advertising. California Governor Arnold...

National Symposium Focuses on Protecting Children in Indian Country

Tribal representatives from across the United States joined federal, state, and local leaders in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, on March 9-11 for the first...

Workshop Tackles Tribal and Border Issues

On January 25-26, 2010, a Tribal and Southern Border Initiative Workshop was held in San Diego to examine ways to keep Tribal and national borders...

Ireland to Develop AMBER Alert Program

Ireland's top law enforcement agency issued a report stating that the country needs to develop an AMBER Alert program. The report from the Garda Inspectorate...

Dutch AMBER Alert Coordinator Asks Parents to Keep Current Photos of Children

Dutch police say they are surprised that most parents do not have current photographs of their children. Carlo Schippers of the National Bureau of Missing...

AMBER Advocate Magazine