Issuing alerts in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness. This element requires as much descriptive information as possible about the abducted child and the abduction, as well as descriptive information about the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.įor an AMBER Alert to be effective in recovering a missing child, the law enforcement agency must have enough information to believe that an immediate broadcast to the public will enhance the efforts of law enforcement to locate the child and apprehend the suspect. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the “best judgment” approach. This element is clearly related to law enforcement’s recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children. Plans require a child be at risk for serious bodily harm or death before an alert can be issued. The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. Law enforcement must understand that a “best judgment” approach, based on the evidence, is appropriate and necessary. At the same time, each case must be appraised on its own merits and a judgment call made quickly. To allow activations in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness. Clearly, stranger abductions are the most dangerous for children and thus are primary to the mission of an AMBER Alert. This is essential when determining the level of risk to the child. There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.ĪMBER plans require law enforcement to confirm an abduction prior to issuing an alert. The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.

There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.Summary of Department of Justice Recommended Criteria The following guidance is designed to achieve a uniform, interoperable network of plans across the country, and to minimize potentially deadly delays because of confusion among varying jurisdictions. NBC 5's Scott Gordon, Amanda Guerra and Randy McIlwain contributed to this report.National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( see reuse policy).Įvery successful AMBER plan contains clearly defined activation criteria. Officers performed a welfare check at her home at about 10:30 a.m.Īnyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Fort Worth Police Department at 81. when the fifth-grader did not show up to school. I guess she just, finally, cracked.'Īdministrators at Parkwood Hill Intermediate School called police before 10 a.m. 'And my little brother, actually, just recently left moved up with my dad, so she's been having a lot to deal with. 'She's been going through a lot right now, with the divorce and stuff,' she said. 'And then, I guess, this morning she was just like, 'Oh, know what? We're leaving.''įields said their mother is going through a divorce, has been under a lot of pressure and recently made some threats. there was a lot going on, and they were arguing, and she wouldn't let Jessica go, so me and my sister had to get her away from there,' she said. Sixteen-year-old Caitlin Fields, one of Jessica's two older sisters, told NBC 5 on Tuesday that the family was concerned. Tuesday.įort Worth investigators have received no tips in the case. Investigators said they believe Smith took Jessica from her home in the 7300 block of Indiana Avenue in far North Fort Worth between 10 p.m. Vu said her call went straight to Jessica's voicemail. Tarrant County Candidate's Goddaughter Racially Taunted at Game

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