Press Releases...

For Immediate Release:                                                                                   

January 2, 2007                                                                                            

(

Cell phone Users Capable of Receiving AMBER Alerts

Jacksonville, IL…

...Since its creation the AMBER Alert program has helped rescue more than 230 children nationwide. More than 85 percent of those recoveries have occurred since AMBER Alert became a nationally coordinated effort in 2002.  This past year, according to State Representative Jim Watson (R-Jacksonville), the program received a significant boost when several wireless telecommunications companies added capabilities to their networks to support the distribution of AMBER alerts to cell phones.

”The move by these companies to connect their networks to the AMBER Alert system gives subscribers the option to receive AMBER Alerts as text messages on their phones” Watson said.  “This move has enabled local law enforcement to reach millions with AMBER Alerts.

The AMBER Alert Notification Plan is a tool for law enforcement to promptly notify the media of a confirmed abduction so the information can be broadcast to the public for assistance in locating the child and/or abductor. This past year Cingular Wireless, Alltel, Dobson Communications, Nextel Communications, RCC/Unicel, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless all signed on to participate in this new and far-reaching venture.

Under the new program that was instituted in mid-2006, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children transmits AMBER Alerts to wireless carriers after law enforcement issues the Alert. These alerts then appear on customers' wireless phones in the same manner as any other text message. “There is no charge for the service” Watson said.

Wireless subscribers capable of receiving text messages and whose wireless carrier participates in the Wireless AMBER Alerts Initiative can register through their wireless carrier’s Web site or at https://www.wirelessamberalerts.org/index.jsp  “Subscribers may designate up to five geographic areas for which they would like to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts simply by entering a zip code” said Watson.

Since its inception citizens all over the country have embraced the opportunity to receive these alerts at any time and anywhere.  "Statistics have proven that the first three hours after abduction are the most critical when it comes to recovering a child alive" said Watson.  "Firsthand experience has also shown that tips from the public play a vital role in helping law enforcement locate and ultimately arrest child abductors.  I applaud the industry for creating the initiative and encourage everyone capable to participate in the program.”