14 Sep The Arizona Amber Alert Program
In a country where heinous crimes occur every day, it might seem preferable to remain ignorant of what is going on around us. However, some crimes can be thwarted with informed and active citizens. In particular, that includes cases of child abduction. At Coolidge Law Firm, Todd Coolidge and our entire team are strongly committed to the safety of our families and communities in the greater Metro-Phoenix area. In situations of child abduction, it’s the first few hours that are the most critical when it comes to solving a case, and that’s where the Arizona amber alert program comes in.
History of the Amber Alert
The Amber Alert originated in 1996 after the abduction and murder of a 9-year-old girl named Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas. The alert was given its title in memory of this little girl, but it also stands as an acronym for: America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. The Amber Alert is active in all 50 States, as well as in the District of Columbia. Its purpose is to make the world safer for our children.
How the Arizona Amber Alert Program Works
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, in order for an Amber Alert to be activated, Law Enforcement Agencies must confirm that the following statements are true:
- An abduction of a child (under 18) has occurred.
- The abduction process poses a credible threat of immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death to the child.
- A law enforcement agency has determined that the child is not a runaway and has not been abducted as a result of a child custody dispute, unless the dispute poses a credible and/or specific threat of serious bodily harm or death to the child.
Receiving Amber Alerts in Arizona
There are 108 ADOT message boards across the Valley and 193 statewide, that will announce the occurrence of an abducted child when a situation meets the above criteria. In addition, you can receive Amber Alerts directly to your iPhone or Android cell phone by turning on the notifications in your phone settings. And if you have any information on the whereabouts of a missing child in Arizona, you can call (602) 644-5855 or (602) 644-5805.
When it comes to the well-being of our community, Coolidge Law Firm is committed to its protection and to justice. If you’ve been charged with a crime you did not commit or the charges were not handled properly, contact Todd Coolidge today!
Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash (9/14/2018)