History of Amber alert in Timeline
Amber Alert, also known as child abduction emergency alert, is a system designed to enlist public assistance in locating abducted children. This system, which originated in the United States, broadcasts alerts containing crucial information about the abduction and the missing child, aiming to facilitate a swift and safe recovery.
November 25, 1986: Birth of Amber Hagerman
Amber Rene Hagerman was born on November 25, 1986.
1993: Kidnapping and Murder of Polly Klaas
In 1993, Polly Klaas was kidnapped and murdered in Petaluma, California. This case, along with Amber Hagerman's abduction and murder, highlighted the need for a system to quickly disseminate information about missing children.
January 15, 1996: Abduction and Murder of Amber Hagerman
On January 15, 1996, nine-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted while riding her bike in Arlington, Texas, and later found murdered. This tragic event led to the creation of the Amber Alert system.
February 1996: NCMEC Initially Declines to Participate in Amber Alert
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) declined to be a part of the Amber Alert system in February 1996.
June 1996: Amber Hagerman's Mother Testifies Before Congress
In June 1996, Amber Hagerman's mother, Donna Whitson, testified before the US Congress, advocating for a national registry of sex offenders. This led to the proposal of the "Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act."
July 1996: First Amber Alert Issued
The first-ever Amber Alert was launched in July 1996 by radio station KRLD in Dallas, Texas, based on ideas presented by Bruce Seybert, whose daughter was a close friend of Amber Hagerman.
1996: Creation of the Amber Alert
The Amber Alert system was created in 1996 in response to the abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Rene Hagerman in Arlington, Texas. Initially, several regional alert systems with different names were used across the US.
1998: First Automated Amber Alert System
In 1998, the Child Alert Foundation created the first fully automated Alert Notification System (ANS), expanding Amber Alerts to television, law enforcement agencies, newspapers, and the internet.
October 2000: US House of Representatives Encourages Amber Alert Implementation
In October 2000, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution encouraging nationwide implementation of the Amber Alert system.
October 2001: NCMEC Launches Campaign for Nationwide Amber Alert Systems
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) launched a campaign in October 2001 to establish Amber Alert systems across the United States.
February 2002: Federal Communications Commission Endorses Amber Alert
The Federal Communications Commission officially endorsed the Amber Alert system in February 2002.
July 24, 2002: California Establishes Amber Alert System
California implemented its Amber Alert system on July 24, 2002, following the high-profile kidnapping and murder of Samantha Runnion.
September 2002: 26 States with Amber Alert Systems
By September 2002, 26 states had implemented Amber Alert systems, covering all or parts of their jurisdictions.
October 2002: Los Angeles AMBER Alert Causes Traffic Chaos, Prompts Policy Changes
An October 2002 AMBER Alert in Los Angeles, which included displaying the alert on freeway signs, resulted in significant traffic congestion, raising concerns about the potential for such alerts to worsen traffic conditions and compromise safety. This incident led to policy changes, with authorities opting to limit the use of freeway signs for AMBER Alerts, particularly during peak hours.
October 2002: President Bush Announces Changes to Amber Alert System
During an October 2002 conference on missing, exploited, and runaway children, President George W. Bush announced changes to the Amber Alert system, including developing a national standard.
November 14, 2002: Introduction of the First Child Alert System in Sussex, UK
On November 14, 2002, the UK witnessed the implementation of its inaugural child alert system in Sussex, laying the groundwork for similar systems across the nation. This pioneering initiative showcased a proactive approach to addressing child safety concerns and paved the way for broader adoption.
November 2002: Digital Amber Alerts Introduced
November 2002 marked the beginning of digital Amber Alerts, with America Online launching a service enabling users to receive notifications via computers, pagers, and cell phones based on their ZIP codes.
December 2002: Launch of Canada's First Province-Wide Amber Alert System
In December 2002, Canada launched its first province-wide Amber Alert system in Alberta. Alberta Solicitor-General Heather Forsyth expressed hope that the system, though anticipated to be used only once a year, would serve as a crucial tool for police to locate and safely recover abducted children. The government committed over CA$1 million to expand the existing emergency warning system to effectively accommodate Amber Alerts.
2002: NCMEC Promotes Amber Alert
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) began promoting the Amber Alert system in 2002, after initially declining to participate in 1996.
April 2003: Legislation for National Amber Alert Coordinator Passed
In April 2003, legislation was passed to establish a national Amber Alert coordinator within the US Justice Department to enhance coordination among states.
May 26, 2003: Introduction of AMBER Alert in Quebec
On May 26, 2003, the AMBER Alert system was implemented in Quebec, adapted in French as "Alerte Médiatique But Enfant Recherché," which translates to "Media Alert Goal of Child Recovery." The system in Quebec operates under strict criteria, requiring police authorities to simultaneously meet four conditions to initiate an alert, ensuring its use for only the most critical cases.
2003: Criminologist Timothy Griffin's Research Questions AMBER Alert Effectiveness
Beginning in 2003, criminologist Timothy Griffin and his research team embarked on a multi-year study that challenged the prevailing narrative about the effectiveness of AMBER Alerts. Their findings, published in 2006, suggested that the alerts had a limited impact on the safe return of abducted children, particularly in more serious cases.
May 2004: Widespread Adoption of Amber Alert Across Canadian Provinces
By May 2004, the Amber Alert system saw widespread adoption across Canadian provinces, with Saskatchewan being the only province yet to implement it. Within a year, the program expanded its reach to encompass the entire country, signifying its growing recognition as a vital tool for child abduction cases.
2004: Scripps Howard Study Reveals Discrepancies in AMBER Alert Issuance
In 2004, a Scripps Howard study brought to light significant discrepancies in how AMBER Alerts were being issued in the United States. The study found that a surprising number of alerts did not meet the Department of Justice's criteria, raising concerns about the system's effectiveness and potential for misuse.
May 2005: Implementation of Amber Alert System in Queensland, Australia
In May 2005, the Australian state of Queensland took a significant step towards child safety by implementing its own version of the AMBER Alert system, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing child abduction cases within its jurisdiction.
2005: Establishment of Local Alert Systems Across England and Wales
By 2005, demonstrating a commitment to child safety, every local jurisdiction within England and Wales successfully established its unique alert system. This widespread adoption highlighted a unified effort to address child abduction cases effectively.
2005: All 50 States with Operational Amber Alert Programs
By 2005, all 50 states in the United States had established and were operating their own Amber Alert programs.
February 2006: France Launches "Alerte-Enlèvement" System Inspired by AMBER Alerts
In February 2006, France's Justice Ministry, in collaboration with media outlets, railroad, and motorway companies, launched "Alerte-Enlèvement" (abduction alert) or "Dispositif Alerte-Enlèvement" (abduction alert apparatus). This system, inspired by the AMBER Alert framework, demonstrated France's commitment to employing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address child abduction cases.
May 2006: USPS Issues Commemorative AMBER Alert Stamp
In May 2006, the United States Postal Service unveiled a commemorative postage stamp honoring AMBER Alerts and their role in reuniting missing children with their families. The stamp, featuring a poignant image of a mother and child, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the AMBER Alert system and its mission.
2006: Griffin Research Raises Doubts About AMBER Alerts' Life-Saving Impact
Concluding in 2006, Timothy Griffin's research raised significant questions about the life-saving impact of AMBER Alerts. While the study acknowledged the difficulty of definitively proving whether the alerts directly led to lives being saved, it found limited evidence to support this claim, particularly in cases beyond those involving family abductions.
2006: "Amber's Story" Television Movie Airs on Lifetime
2006 saw the release of "Amber's Story," a television movie that aired on the Lifetime network. The film, starring Elisabeth Röhm and Sophie Hough, recounted the story of Amber Hagerman and the events that led to the creation of the AMBER Alert system.
April 1, 2007: Activation of AMBER Alert System in North West England
April 1, 2007, marked a significant milestone as the AMBER Alert system became operational in North West England, signifying a key step towards a nationwide implementation. This expansion reflected the UK's commitment to leveraging a proven system for enhancing child safety efforts.
September 2007: Malaysia Implements "Nurin Alert" System Inspired by AMBER Alert
In September 2007, Malaysia implemented the "Nurin Alert" system, drawing inspiration from the AMBER Alert framework. Named after Nurin Jazlin, a missing eight-year-old girl, this initiative demonstrated Malaysia's commitment to adopting internationally recognized best practices to address child abduction cases and enhance child safety measures.
2008: Launch of AMBER Alert Netherlands
The year 2008 marked the launch of AMBER Alert Netherlands, demonstrating the country's commitment to adopting this internationally recognized system for addressing child abduction cases. This implementation highlighted the global reach and impact of the AMBER Alert framework in safeguarding children.
February 14, 2009: First Dutch AMBER Alert Issued, Leading to Rapid Recovery of Missing Child
On February 14, 2009, the first AMBER Alert in the Netherlands was activated following the disappearance of a 4-year-old boy in Rotterdam. Notably, the child was swiftly found safe and sound thanks to the alert, highlighting the system's effectiveness. The rapid recovery, facilitated by a person who recognized the child's picture on an electronic billboard in a fast food restaurant, led to the alert being halted before reaching all intended recipients, demonstrating its immediate impact.
April 2009: Announcement of Plans to Establish an AMBER Alert System in Ireland
In April 2009, Ireland announced plans to establish its own AMBER Alert system, reflecting a growing global awareness and adoption of this crucial tool for addressing child abduction cases. This decision marked a proactive step towards strengthening child safety measures within the country.
2009: "Amber Hagerman Deserves Justice: A Night Owl Story" Comic Book Published
In 2009, Wham Bang Comics published "Amber Hagerman Deserves Justice: A Night Owl Story," a comic book aimed at raising awareness about Amber Hagerman's case and the ongoing investigation into her murder. The comic, created by teen author Jake Tinsley and artist Jason Dube, sought to engage younger audiences while keeping Amber's memory alive.
May 25, 2010: Nationwide Launch of Child Rescue Alert in the UK
On May 25, 2010, the UK achieved a significant milestone in child safety with the nationwide launch of the Child Rescue Alert, modeled after the AMBER Alert system. This implementation highlighted a unified effort to establish a standardized and effective response to child abduction cases across the country.
2010: Expansion of Child Abduction Response Teams (CART)
By 2010, the US Department of Justice had trained 225 Child Abduction Response Teams (CART) across 43 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Canada to assist local agencies in missing children cases, including those not meeting Amber Alert criteria.
April 28, 2011: Mexico Joins International Efforts to Implement AMBER Alert
On April 28, 2011, Mexico officially joined the international community in adopting the AMBER Alert system, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing child safety and cross-border collaboration in addressing child abduction cases.
May 2012: Official Introduction of Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert
May 2012 witnessed the official launch of Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert, marking a significant development in Ireland's efforts to bolster child safety measures and establish a coordinated response to child abduction cases. This dedicated system underscored the country's commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
October 3, 2012: First Use of the Child Rescue Alert System in the UK
The effectiveness of the Child Rescue Alert system, implemented in the UK, was put to the test on October 3, 2012, when it was activated in response to the disappearance of 5-year-old April Jones in Wales. This marked the first real-world application of the system, demonstrating its critical role in coordinating a swift response to such emergencies.
January 1, 2013: Amber Alerts Integrated with Wireless Emergency Alerts
Starting January 1, 2013, Amber Alerts were automatically disseminated through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) program, expanding their reach significantly.
July 2013: 4 AM AMBER Alert in New York Sparks Debate Over WEA Timing
In July 2013, the use of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system for an AMBER Alert at 4 a.m. in New York City ignited a debate about the appropriateness of sending out such alerts during the early morning hours. Critics argued that the timing of the alert was likely to alienate cellphone users and lead them to disable WEA notifications altogether.
2013: Implementation of Skylar's Law
In 2013, West Virginia passed Skylar's Law, which removed the requirement of a confirmed abduction for issuing an Amber Alert, addressing concerns about parental abductions where the child's safety is at risk.
2013: Establishment of AMBER Alert Europe Foundation for Cross-Border Coordination
In 2013, recognizing the need to address child abduction cases that transcend geographical boundaries, the AMBER Alert Europe Foundation was established. The foundation's primary goal is to enhance cross-border coordination and cooperation in the search for missing children, fostering a unified and effective response across European nations.
2014: 2014 Amber Alert Report Highlights Ongoing Challenges
The 2014 Amber Alert Report revealed that while the system was responsible for issuing numerous alerts, a significant portion of these cases still involved children taken by strangers or individuals other than their legal guardians, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing child abduction.
April 2015: Implementation of "AMBER Alert Slovakia" Emergency Child Abduction Alert System
In April 2015, Slovakia took a significant step towards enhancing child safety by implementing its own emergency child abduction alert system, known as "AMBER Alert Slovakia" (www.amberalert.sk). This implementation reflects a global trend toward adopting standardized systems to quickly and effectively address child abduction cases.
May 2016: Introduction of Ministry of Public Security Emergency Release Platform for Children's Missing Information in China
In May 2016, China's Ministry of Public Security introduced the Emergency Release Platform for Children's Missing Information, starting with Beijing and later expanding nationwide. Developed with technical support from Alibaba Group, this platform utilizes mobile technology to swiftly disseminate information about missing children confirmed by the police to people in the vicinity of the disappearance, enabling prompt community involvement in locating the missing children. This system reflects China's commitment to leveraging technology for child safety and community-driven solutions.
June 2017: Expansion of Facebook's Amber Alert Program Across Australian States
June 2017 marked a significant expansion of Facebook's Amber Alert program within Australia. Other Australian states joined Queensland in utilizing this platform, signifying a growing reliance on social media as a tool for rapid information dissemination during child abduction cases. This expansion reflects a proactive approach to leveraging technology for enhancing child safety efforts.
December 2017: Abduction of Emilia Benavides Inspires the Creation of EMILIA Alert in Ecuador
The tragic abduction of Emilia Benavides in December 2017 served as a catalyst for Ecuador to develop its own AMBER Alert system. This event highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated system to address child abductions and ensure the safety and well-being of children within the country.
2018: Integration of Amber Alerts with Alert Ready System and Controversy Over Mobile Device Alerts
In 2018, Amber Alerts were integrated into the Alert Ready system, enabling the dissemination of alerts through radio, television, and supported mobile devices across Canada. The system's introduction sparked controversy due to its inability to be deactivated on mobile devices, even in silent or Do Not Disturb modes. This feature, intended to maximize reach and urgency, faced criticism for causing disturbances and potential desensitization to future alerts.
2018: Ecuador Introduces "EMILIA Alert" System for Child Abduction Cases
In 2018, driven by the need to strengthen child safety measures following the abduction of Emilia Benavides, Ecuador's Department of Security introduced its own AMBER Alert system, aptly named "EMILIA Alert." This implementation reflected the country's commitment to learning from past experiences and taking proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies.
2019: MegaFon Develops "MegaFon.Poisk" Alert System for Missing Children and Adults in Russia
In 2019, MegaFon, a Russian telecommunications company, introduced its own alert system, "MegaFon.Poisk," designed to locate missing children and adults across its coverage area. This system highlights the growing trend of utilizing technology for public safety and the importance of extending such initiatives beyond child abduction cases to encompass a wider range of missing person scenarios.
September 2021: Launch of AMBER Alert in Ukraine
On September 22, 2021, Ukraine announced a collaborative effort between its Ministry of Digital Transformation, the National Police of Ukraine, and Facebook to launch the AMBER Alert system within the country. This initiative highlighted the increasing global adoption of this vital tool for addressing child abduction cases and ensuring child safety.
March 2023: Morocco Launches "Tifli Moukhtafi" Child Alert System in Collaboration with Meta Platforms
In March 2023, Morocco's General Directorate of National Security, in partnership with Meta Platforms, launched "Tifli Moukhtafi" (meaning 'my child is missing'), a child alert system inspired by the AMBER Alert framework. Utilizing SMS and Meta's platforms for dissemination, this initiative underscores Morocco's commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to ensure child safety and address child abduction cases effectively.
October 25, 2023: Launch of "Pronađi me" AMBER Alert System in Serbia
Serbia took a significant step towards enhancing child safety with the launch of its AMBER Alert system, named "Pronađi me" (translating to 'Find me'), on October 25, 2023. This implementation reflected a global trend of adopting this critical tool to swiftly address child abduction cases.
December 2023: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reports 1,186 Children Recovered Due to AMBER Alerts
By December 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a significant milestone—the successful recovery of 1,186 children attributed to the AMBER Alert program. This data underscores the program's tangible impact and its effectiveness as a vital tool for reuniting missing children with their families.
2023: California Enacts "Ebony Alert" Law
In 2023, California passed a law to create the "Ebony Alert" system, designed to address concerns that missing Black children and young women may not receive adequate attention through Amber Alerts.
March 26, 2024: First Activation of Serbia's "Pronađi me" AMBER Alert System
On March 26, 2024, Serbia's "Pronađi me" AMBER Alert system was activated for the first time following the disappearance of two-year-old Danka Ilić in Banjsko Polje, Bor. This initial activation highlighted the system's critical role in coordinating a swift response and raising public awareness during such emergencies.