The A.M.B.E.R. (America's Missing: Broadcasting Emergency Response) Alert response system was developed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to recover an abducted child. The plan was developed at the national level in response to the 1996 abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman.   In Minnesota, as in many states, the response utilizes the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that is broadcast through television, radio and some electronic road signs. If a child is abducted, and the circumstances meet certain established criteria, a description of the child and any case-related information can be rapidly broadcast to aid in the recovery process.  

 

Radio Broadcasters

Television Broadcasters

If the AMBER Alert criteria are met and the decision to activate is made, law enforcement will contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN-BCA) at 1-800-832-6446 to request activation of the Amber Plan. The BCA activates the MN Crime Alert Network (MCAN) and subsequently works in conjunction with the Duty Officer from the Division of Emergency Management to activate the alert over the State Emergency Alert System (EAS). By activating the EAS, information will immediately be delivered to all participating radio and television stations in the State of Minnesota. The Amber Alert is sent only once via the two mediums to all participating stations. The participating stations will announce the information every 15 minutes for the first two hours, and every half-hour for the following three hours. If the child is recovered during the activation period, the reporting agency will notify the BCA and the Alert will be canceled.

 

 A.M.B.E.R. Plan collaborators The Minnesota Lottery and JWRC