Saturday, January 11, 2014

CHP OBSERVES NATIONAL AMBER ALERT AWARENESS DAY January 13, 2014


SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the U.S. Department of Justice in observing National AMBER Alert Awareness Day on Monday, January 13, 2014.
This special day was created to raise public awareness of the AMBER Alert program. The goal
of the program, which can be found in every state in the nation, is to instantly spur the entire
community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of a child.
The CHP serves as the statewide coordinator for the state’s AMBER Alert system. Since it was
implemented in July 2002, California’s AMBER Alert system has been activated in California
218 times, resulting in the rescue or safe finding of 255 children. 
 
 
 
“The public has been essential to the success of California’s AMBER Alert system,” said CHP
Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Working together with law enforcement, broadcasters, and other
government agencies has proven successful in saving the lives of hundreds of children in
California for more than a decade.”
California recently saw a change to the AMBER Alert system. The change that became effective
January 1, 2014, expands the ability of AMBER Alerts to be activated if a child has been taken
by anyone, regardless if an actual abduction is involved, and the agency believes the child is in
threat of serious bodily injury or death.
“An AMBER Alert is a call to action,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Not only is law
enforcement engaged in the safe recovery of the child, but there are thousands of other eyes and
ears aiding in that search.”
The public can get involved during an AMBER Alert by listening to television and radio reports,
paying attention to changeable message signs along the highway, which display information
about the abductor’s vehicle and license plate number, and keeping an eye out for the suspect
vehicle.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,
and Security to the people of California.