Maryland Amber Alert: Know What to Do and How to Help

What is an Amber Alert?

An Amber Alert is an emergency notification system that activates when a child is reported missing or abducted. The alert is issued by law enforcement agencies and is broadcast through a variety of channels, including radio, television, social media, and mobile devices.

How Does an Amber Alert Work in Maryland?

When a child is reported missing or abducted in Maryland, law enforcement agencies will immediately initiate an Amber Alert if they believe the child is in imminent danger. The alert will contain information about the child, the abductor (if known), and the vehicle they are believed to be traveling in.

The alert will be broadcast throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Motorists are asked to be vigilant and to report any sightings of the child or the vehicle to law enforcement immediately.

What Should You Do When You Receive an Amber Alert?

When you receive an Amber Alert, it is important to:

• Pay attention to the information provided. This will include a description of the child, the abductor (if known), and the vehicle they are believed to be traveling in.
• If you see the child or the vehicle, call 911 immediately. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including your location and what you saw.
• Do not approach the child or the vehicle. This could put the child in danger.
• Share the Amber Alert with others. Spread the word on social media, email, and text message. The more people who are aware of the alert, the more likely the child will be found safely.

How Can You Help Prevent Amber Alerts?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent Amber Alerts:

• Supervise your children at all times. This is especially important in public places.
• Teach your children how to stay safe. Talk to them about stranger danger, and tell them to never talk to or go with someone they don't know.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people and vehicles around you, and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.

Why Amber Alerts Matter

Amber Alerts have saved the lives of countless children. Here are some statistics from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:

• Since 1996, Amber Alerts have helped recover over 1,000 abducted children.
• In 2022, Amber Alerts were issued for 382 children, and 99% of those children were recovered safely.

How Amber Alerts Benefit Families and Communities

Amber Alerts provide families and communities with a sense of hope and relief during a time of crisis. They also help to:

• Increase awareness of missing children. Amber Alerts reach millions of people, and they help to spread the word about missing children who may otherwise be forgotten.
• Provide law enforcement with valuable information. Amber Alerts often contain information that can help law enforcement agencies locate missing children and apprehend abductors.
• Bring communities together. Amber Alerts show that we are all connected and that we all have a role to play in protecting our children.

Call to Action

Amber Alerts are a critical tool in the fight against child abduction. By knowing what to do when you receive an Amber Alert, you can help to save a child's life.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Sign up for Amber Alert notifications. You can sign up for Amber Alert notifications from the Maryland State Police at https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/AmberAlert.aspx.
• Download the Amber Alert app. The Amber Alert app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
• Follow Amber Alert on social media. Amber Alert is active on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow them to stay up-to-date on the latest Amber Alerts.
• Spread the word about Amber Alerts. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about Amber Alerts. The more people who are aware of Amber Alerts, the more likely we are to find missing children and bring them home safely.

Additional Resources

• Maryland State Police Amber Alert
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Amber Alert App