| Informational Website: |
http://www.vaamberalert.com/index.htm |
| Contact Person: |
|
| Administrating Agency: |
Virginia State Police. |
Participating Agencies and Organizations:
|
Virginia’s law enforcement agencies; Virginia Department of Transportation; Virginia Department of Emergency Management; Virginia’s broadcasters; Virginia’s cable companies; America Online. |
| Steps for Activation: |
Activation of the Virginia “AMBER Alert” Plan must be initiated through the Virginia State Police. Once the contacted agency receives a report, they should confirm that an abduction has taken place and the criteria have been met. Notify the Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse (VMCC) by telephonic facsimile. VMCC will conduct the required tasks as outlined in this plan and confirm receipt of the Virginia “AMBER Alert” form information with the reporting agency. After being contacted, the Virginia State Police will contact any/all broadcasting companies through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as per the Virginia Emergency Alert System Plan. After an initial EAS “AMBER Alert” has been broadcast, it is suggested a rebroadcast of “AMBER Alert” information (non-EAS) is made at least every 15 minutes for the first two hours, and every 30 minutes for the next three hours. The decision to rebroadcast the “AMBER Alert” information will be left up to each individual broadcasting station and is completely voluntary. |
| Scope of Amber Alert: |
Statewide |
| Criteria for Activation: |
The abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger, and the law enforcement agency believes the child has been abducted (unwillingly taken from their environment without permission from the child’s parent or legal guardian). The law enforcement agency believes the abducted child is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. A law enforcement investigation has taken place that verified the abduction or eliminated alternative explanations. Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the child, suspect, and/or the suspect’s vehicle. The Child must be entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing person files as soon as practical. |
| Utilizes Emergency Alert System: |
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a primary component of the Virginia State Amber Alert System. |
| Reporting Phone Number: |
|
| Success Story: |
|
