Review sees introduction of dedicated AMBER Alert Coordinator

OPP News Release

********************

A recent review of Ontario's AMBER Alert Program by stakeholders and partners found the system was working well, but made recommendations for improvement.

In May, 2009 the OPP called together members of the AMBER Alert Steering Committee and additional stakeholders for a review of the program. The Ontario AMBER Alert Program was established in Ontario in 2003 as a voluntary cooperative between radio/television stations and Ontario law enforcement and government agencies to assist in locating children within hours of abduction.

"An AMBER Alert can be an important tool in locating an abducted child. The OPP and all our AMBER Alert partners are determined to make this program the best it possibly can be. A society's first responsibility is to protect
its children," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, who initiated the review.

"AMBER Alert has proven itself to be a tremendous tool for police services across the Province. The program helps police officers work with their community partners when a child may have been abducted," said Chief Daniel Parkinson of the Cornwall Community Police Service and President of
the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. "Police in Ontario are determined to build on our partnerships to make the program even more effective."

"The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) is honoured to partner with police on this very worthwhile initiative and believe that the changes to the AMBER Alert will provide police with an enhanced tool to help keep our children safe," said Douglas Kirk, President of OAB.

As a result of the review, the OPP have appointed a dedicated AMBER Alert Coordinator who will work with the Steering Committee to implement the recommendations of the review.

Summary of Recommendations from the AMBER Alert Review

Select http://files.newswire.ca/380/AMBERAlertReview.pdf to view the entire AMBER Alert Review report.

- The criteria for activating an AMBER Alert have been changed to guidelines.

- The new guidelines for issuing an AMBER Alert are:

1.) Law enforcement agency believes a child under the age of 18 has been abducted;

2.) Law enforcement agency believes the child is in danger;

3.) There is descriptive information about one or more of the following: child; abductor; vehicle; to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help in locating the child.

- A dedicated AMBER Alert Coordinator has been appointed. The Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including training, education/awareness, communication, ongoing enhancements and expansion of the program.

- Update all communication products including existing web sites, flyers, internal and external information on the AMBER Alert program to ensure consistency and to enhance public awareness.

- Work with the Ontario Police College (OPC) to ensure that AMBER Alert training is included in all appropriate courses. Provide training for the Association of Ontario Broadcasters (an AMBER Alert partner) and all other media.

- The AMBER Alert Steering Committee should seek additional partners to broadcast AMBER Alerts and expand the reach.

- The Steering Committee should explore existing Memoranda of Understanding with neighbouring Provincial and State jurisdictions with the intention of improving cross border activations.

********************