Electronic signs in Arlington Heights, Illinois, are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) so AMBER Alerts, tornado warnings, and other public emergencies will take precedence over any other messaging. The signs will soon be used in smart cities, convention centers, and airports.
The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, now has license plate readers that can help law enforcement identify vehicles if a car is stolen or an AMBER Alert is issued. “They’re just another terrific tool for keeping our community safe,” said Capt. Moses Lee, 10th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.
The Richmond, Virginia, Police Department purchased a fleet of drones to help in investigations, including cases involving AMBER Alerts. Twenty officers have been trained to fly the department’s four drones. The Federal Aviation Administration governs drones and state code requires a search warrant unless there is an immediate danger, such as in the case of an AMBER Alert. “They’re small. They’re portable. They’re easily deployed, and they are relatively inexpensive,” said Richmond Police Captain Michael Snawder. “This is a game changer for us.”
The Missouri Highway Patrol streamlined its process to issue AMBER Alerts for faster public notification. Authorities upgraded the system to allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System to deliver alerts directly to cellular carriers. Previously, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children distributed the messages to cellphones. Other features include: reducing the possibility of outdated information to continually be shared on social media, automatically updating Facebook and Twitter accounts, and the option to subscribe to alerts on its website at www.mo.gov/alerts/.
Police chiefs in Ontario, Canada, oppose a plan to no longer require front license plates on vehicles. The law enforcement leaders say the plates are needed to track down vehicles, especially ones being sought in AMBER Alerts. “That’s not going to assist us in solving these crimes and perhaps saving these children in AMBER Alert situations,” said Jeff McGuire, Ontario Association Chiefs of Police Executive Director.
Canadian authorities tested the official emergency alert system on May 8, 2019, to make sure the loud notification tone and messages reached all cell phones. The emergency alerts are overseen by Alert Ready. Two earlier alerts went out at night, prompting a backlash from some Canadians who were wakened by the loud tones.
Ontario police are still asking the public to stop calling 911 to complain about receiving AMBER Alerts after an alert was issued in May and another one in July for two children believed to have been abducted.
One woman launched a campaign to fine people who call 911 to complain about AMBER Alerts. Dalia Monacelli is hoping her Change.org petition will convince the Ontario attorney general to levy fines against the complainers. “People have to understand that when they dial 911, they are taking time and personnel away from actual emergencies and that these actions could cost lives,” wrote Monacelli.
More than 100,000 people signed the petition as of August 8, 2019.
A research group study found that Montana has issued the most AMBER Alerts per 100,000 residents. AMBER Alert officials noted Montana has a low population and many locations separated by long distances. They added the alerts are especially helpful to spread the word about abduction incidents.