Amber Alert Maryland: Protecting Maryland's Children

Introduction

An Amber Alert is a nationwide warning system that helps law enforcement locate and return abducted children. In Maryland, the Amber Alert system has been in place since 2000 and has helped to successfully recover abducted children.

How Amber Alerts Work

When an Amber Alert is issued, it is typically sent out over various media outlets, including television, radio, and the internet. The alert includes information about the abducted child, such as their name, age, description, and last known location. The alert also includes information about the vehicle the child was last seen in, such as the make, model, and license plate number.

Members of the public are asked to be on the lookout for the abducted child and to report any sightings to law enforcement.

Criteria for Issuing an Amber Alert

Not all cases of missing children qualify for an Amber Alert. The following criteria must be met in order for an Amber Alert to be issued:

• The child must be under the age of 18.
• The child must have been abducted or taken by force.
• There must be a belief that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
• There must be sufficient information available to identify the child and the suspect.

Statistics on Amber Alerts in Maryland

According to the Maryland State Police, there have been 120 Amber Alerts issued in Maryland since 2000. Of those alerts, 109 have been successfully resolved, resulting in the recovery of the abducted child.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when it comes to Amber Alerts. These mistakes can hinder the investigation and make it more difficult to locate the abducted child.

• Do not call 911 to report a sighting. If you see an abducted child, do not call 911. Instead, call the number listed on the Amber Alert.
• Do not approach the abducted child or the suspect. If you see an abducted child, do not try to approach them or the suspect. Instead, call the number listed on the Amber Alert.
• Do not share false or inaccurate information. If you hear or see information about an abducted child, do not share it on social media or other public forums unless it is confirmed by law enforcement.

Step-by-Step Approach to Reporting a Sighting

If you see an abducted child, follow these steps:

1. Call the number listed on the Amber Alert.
2. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including the location of the sighting, the time of the sighting, and a description of the child and the suspect.
3. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until they have all of the necessary information.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I receive an Amber Alert? You should read the alert carefully and be on the lookout for the abducted child and the suspect. If you see the child or the suspect, call the number listed on the alert.
2. How can I help prevent child abductions? You can help prevent child abductions by talking to your children about stranger danger, teaching them to never go anywhere with someone they don't know, and keeping a close eye on them in public places.
3. What if I think a child is being abused or neglected? If you think a child is being abused or neglected, you should call the Maryland Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-332-6347.
4. What is the penalty for abducting a child? Abducting a child is a felony in Maryland. The penalty for child abduction can range from 5 to 40 years in prison.
5. What is the difference between an Amber Alert and a Silver Alert? An Amber Alert is issued when a child has been abducted, while a Silver Alert is issued when a senior citizen has gone missing.
6. What can I do to stay up-to-date on Amber Alerts? You can sign up for Amber Alerts by visiting the Maryland State Police website.

Conclusion

The Amber Alert system is a valuable tool for law enforcement and the public to work together to locate and return abducted children. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep Maryland's children safe.

Table 1: Amber Alerts Issued in Maryland

Source: Maryland State Police

Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Table 3: Step-by-Step Approach to Reporting a Sighting