AMBER Alert Helps Keep Kids Safe in Michigan

By Cindy Denby

I recently came across some great information about a very important program we have in our state to keep our children safe- the AMBER Alert program.

The program, which creates an emergency plan to help quickly recover abducted children, was created in 1996 in the aftermath of the kidnapping and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Texas. The Michigan AMBER Alert program was launched in 2001 and alerts state residents through all radio and TV stations of any abduction in the area. MDOT also notifies drivers of an AMBER Alert through their electronic message signs throughout the state. After an AMBER alert is broadcast, hundreds of thousands of residents can immediately help find the endangered child. All alerts include a telephone number to report any information which could assist law enforcement in recovery efforts.

Criteria for an AMBER Alert to be issued include the child being under 17 and considered in danger; a child who is a victim of a kidnapping by a stranger or acquaintance; a child who is missing and held by a parent who has lost parental rights, or has a criminal record of violence; or a child that has a mental or physical disability or is medication dependent. When local police departments determine one of these factors, the Michigan State Police are contacted and an AMBER Alert is quickly issued.

To keep kids safe AMBER Alert Michigan recommends teaching children to ask permission before going anywhere with anyone, use the buddy system, to be suspicious of an adult asking for assistance, and to tell children they have the right to say no when they sense something is wrong. It is also suggested to create a code word with your children to use in the instance of danger and remind them to always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Since its creation, the program has helped reunite more than 300 missing endangered children. On average there are 29 AMBER Alerts each year and on average it takes less than eight hours to recover children after an alert is issued. For more information on this valuable program visit www.miamberfoundation.org.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.