Why some people don’t get AMBER Alerts

Cathedral City Police Chief Travis Walker says Thursday night’s AMBER Alert played a vital role in locating two abducted boys.

Some KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 viewers we’ve heard from received the alert, while others did not. Lauren Coronado is breaking down the functionality of Amber Alerts to show you exactly how they are shared with the community when police are searching for the suspect and missing child or children.

What are the criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts?

Each state AMBER Alert plan includes its own criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts. The PROTECT Act, passed in 2003, which established the role of AMBER Alert Coordinator within the Department of Justice, calls for the Department of Justice to issue minimum standards or guidelines for AMBER Alerts that states can adopt voluntarily. The Department’s Guidance on Criteria for Issuing AMBER Alerts is as follows:

There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred; The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death; There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child; The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger; The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system; Most states’ guidelines adhere closely to the Department of Justice’s recommended guidelines. Check out the AMBER Alert website for more information More Crime Headlines around the Coachella Valley Read More Local News Headlines Watch Local News Online