TBI offers new AMBER alert system
Tennesseans may now have AMBER Alerts sent directly to their cell phones under a new program being offered through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Wireless customers, whose phones are capable of receiving text messages and whose carrier is participating in the program, can sign up to receive a geographically specific text message whenever an AMBER Alert has been issued in their area. To receive the alerts, cell phone users must register at www.tbi.state.tn.us.
AMBER stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. The program was created in 1997, when Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters teamed with local police to develop an early warning system to help locate abducted children. The AMBER Alert program was soon adopted across the nation and is named for Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas and was later murdered.
To date, more than 200 children have been successfully recovered as a direct result of AMBER Alerts. Tennessee launched its statewide AMBER Alert program in February of 2003. So far, 10 AMBER Alerts have been activated in Tennessee.
None of the alerts have been raised in Warren County. However, lawmen here say it is a great help to know it is available in case of emergency.
Participating wireless carriers have agreed to provide the alerts at no cost to customers and to keep subscriber information related to the wireless AMBER Alert strictly confidential. The service is currently available to more than 90 percent of all wireless subscribers in all 50 states. Subscribers can designate up to five zip codes from which they would like to be alerted when an AMBER Alert is activated.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Jerri Powell, oversees the TBI’s Missing Children Unit and says she would like to see all wireless customers in Tennessee participating in the program.
“The success of the wireless AMBER Alert initiative hinges greatly on how many Tennesseans sign up to participate,” Powell said. “This is just one more way for citizens to help us bring our children home safely.”