Here's a web site that I found that explains a little bit about The Amber Alert:

http://www.klaaskids.org/pg-amberplan.htm[/URL]

The Amber Alert is sent out when a child abduction meets a certain criteria. The information is sent to news stations, radio stations and in Ca., electronic signs on the freeway. The Alert is a fast way to spread the news widely allows the public to assist in finding abducted children.

Yesturday there was a girl abducted. She was taken from her bedroom sometime during the night by a former babysitter and she was found in Nevada, unharmed, later in the day. The police were able to track where the man was taking her due to calls that came in from people that heard or saw the Amber Alert.

Several weeks ago a rapist abduct two teens by gunpoint and due to the Amber Alert the police were able to find them before the man killed them. They both had been raped but were alive. The abducter forced police to kill him.

This is the first positive step being taken with all these children being abducted. The Amber Alert means they have a chance of survival, police have a chance now of finding them in that crucial first 24hrs. It's not perfect but it's a start and has been a success.

Renee

[ September 05, 2002, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: Renee ]

I'm so very glad that they made the Amber Alert a reality. It's very important to act right away and not wait the(previous) customary 24-48 hours before considering them "missing or abducted". Thank goodness that so many positive things have come about by using the Amber Alert!

Renee, how dreadful that he was a "neighbor".... that's a bit too close for comfort if you ask me!

The Amber Alert system is one of the best ideas our country has had. If it even saves one child, it is well worth it!
Poor Renee! That is scary about that happening in your own neighborhood. I'm just so glad the little girl is safe.

I'm so glad they were able to find her! That is too close for comfort, having had him as a neighbor. Brrrr.

Thanks for finding that link about the Amber Alert, Renee! I saw something earlier today on CNN - I think it was Talk Back Live? Anyhow, they're already questioning if the Amber Alert is being used too much, therefore, people will start to not pay as much attention to it as they once did. *sigh* They always find something to pick apart. I really hope they don't stop using it because there are plenty of folks out there who care and want to know about these things ASAP... and it saves lives!!

Kell

You guys are right, it was scary that it happened in my own neighborhood. But truthfully it's scary no matter where it happens. I'm just thankful that she was found unharmed.

Kell, I don't think that they will stop using the Alert, they've had too much success with it. The police take care to make sure that the abductions fit the criteria before they issue the Alert so that it won't be used too much. Parental kidnappings are not included and they have to belive that the child is in immediate danger before it's issued. Too my knowledge it's only been used twice in Ca. state wide. Both times it's been a success. There's always going to be 'doubting thomas's' but so far we've seen it save 3 lives and that's enough for me to believe in it. This forces everybody to work together for the good of the kids, the press, the public and the various law enforcement agencies.

Renee

Oh, I agree, Renee. I want them to keep using it! It just makes me mad that someone(s) out there have to try and pick a good thing apart. BAH on them!!

I wonder if Polly Klaas would have been saved had the Amber Alert been in effect at the time. Probably so..

Kell