AUSTIN, Texas — In observance of National AMBER Alert Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is highlighting the significance of the AMBER Alert Program and the Statewide Alert Program as vital tools for public safety in Texas. The program is crucial in coordinating efforts to ensure the safe return of abducted children. “When an AMBER Alert is issued, it sets an immediate and unified response into motion,” said Homeland Security Division Chief Gerald Brown. “The coordination between local, state and federal partners is critical and DPS works closely with each of them to share information quickly, mobilize resources and ensure every effort is aligned towards bringing your loved one home safely.” The DPS urges Texans to be vigilant and attentive to alert messages, whether displayed on highway signs or disseminated through mobile phones, broadcasts, or social media. Texans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the descriptions of the child, suspect, or vehicle involved and to report any potential matches to law enforcement by calling 911. AMBER Alerts, which stand for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response, were named in honor of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered in Arlington, Texas, in 1996. This year marks 30 years since her tragic death. The first AMBER Alert program was established in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and in 2002, Texas Governor Rick Perry created the state’s AMBER Alert network. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation for local activation of the system in certain cases, in memory of seven-year-old Athena Strand. The Statewide Alert Program, administered by DPS, includes multiple alerts such as Silver, Blue, Endangered Missing Persons, CLEAR, Power Outage, and Active Shooter alerts. These alerts are designed to expedite the apprehension of criminals and locate missing persons by generating leads for law enforcement agencies. Alert activation occurs when an authorized requester confirms in writing that criteria have been met. The alert remains active until the requester asks for its discontinuation, typically after the person is found or if the alert is deemed unnecessary. An archive of alerts, including AMBER Alerts, is available on the DPS website, though the status of alerts is preliminary and unofficial, with outcomes confirmed by investigating agencies.
