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Does the Amber Plan work?
Yes. Since the effort began in late 1996, police have credited use of the Amber Plan with assisting in the safe return of several area children. Listener and viewer participation is the key to success. Since most people listen to the radio while driving, the Amber Plan instantly involves thousands of motorists in a giant "neighborhood watch." And, since many people now carry cell phones, they can quickly notify police with leads and helpful information.
Who Activates the Amber Plan?
Police in the city or town where the incident occurs must decide if the case fits the criteria for activation (see Amber Plan Criteria). The radio and TV stations that broadcast the bulletin material do not participate in the decision-making process.
How are Amber Plan Bulletins Distributed to the Various Radio and TV Stations?
All participating police departments have been provided with dedicated fax line numbers for WBAP and KRLD radio stations. When a police department decides to activate the Amber Plan, they send the two stations a written description of the child, the suspect, the suspect vehicle, the time and place of the incident, and any other relevant information. The two stations quickly verify the activation. Then, using the Emergency Activation System, an audio bulletin containing the police information is sent simultaneously to all participating radio and TV stations in Dallas/Fort Worth. The bulletin is originated by WBAP and KSCS radio stations because of their designation as the "primary" EAS outlets for the Dallas/Fort Worth listening area. Once the bulletin is received, all Amber Plan radio and TV stations break from regular programming and repeatedly broadcast the information to listeners and viewers.
What Does EAS Stand For?
EAS stands for Emergency Activation System. It is more commonly used for the broadcast of severe weather and other civil emergencies. Each radio and TV station must have a working EAS monitor on-site in order to receive an operating license from the Federal Communications Commission.
Is the EAS Always Ready For Use?
Yes. Amber Plan bulletins go out to all participating radio and TV stations regardless of station format or time of day.
Are Police Departments Charged a Fee for Amber Plan Activations or Involvement?
No. Police participation in the Amber Plan is free and open to any department in the North Texas area. Radio and TV station participation is voluntary and is done as a public service without commercial endorsement.
Who Oversees the Amber Plan?
The Association of Radio Managers (ARMS) oversees the effort. To assure that Amber Plan bulletins are distributed in a timely fashion, ARMS conducts quarterly tests of the EAS-Amber Plan notification process. To assure that police are following the guidelines for use, a committee of police officers meets each quarter to review all activations for the previous three months. The broadcast outlets do not participate in the decision to activate, and they have no role in the police review committee process.
What Should You Do If You Witness a Child Abduction or Believe a Child is Missing?
Call 911 immediately, and ask for the police department in your city or town. Then provide the police with as much information as you can about the child, the suspect, and the suspect vehicle.
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