AMBER Alerts are named for Amber Hagerman, who was abducted and murdered 15 years ago. They are issued by law enforcement in serious child abduction cases that meet specific criteria. AMBER Alerts involve the entire community in the search for, and safe recovery of, a missing child.
OJP coordinates the National AMBER Alert program, assisting state and local officials with developing and enhancing AMBER Alert plans and promoting regional coordination.
The new partnership with Facebook will enable users to receive AMBER Alerts directly on Facebook. This is just one of many current initiatives aimed at protecting our nation's youth. To join the effort to recover missing children, register at www.facebook.com/AMBERalert.
To address the subject of child abduction and the protection of our children, Bradley County and surrounding areas have an excellent educational resource through The Santa Project, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to making children aware but not afraid of their surroundings.
Besides programs for children and youth, Executive Director Pete Vanderpool is also available for adult programs that assist in making adults aware of the issues children are currently facing. These topics include internet safety and awareness, cell phone usage as it relates to bullying, enticement, and inappropriate behavior, runaway potential and dangers, as well as awareness programs for personal safety.
For more information, visit www.thesantaproject.org, or email Vanderpool at santa@thesantaproject.org.
