Delaware’s Amber Alert Program is now automatcally sending Amber Alerts to Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) enabled cell phones statewide.
Unless a user’s cell phone is off or in a silent mode, the cell phone will play a tone similar to emergency alert system broadcasts radio and television.
The tone will be followed by a text message with details of the Amber Alert.
Delaware’s Amber Alert Notification made the change from an optional alert to universal alerts to all Wireless Emergency Alert enabled cell phones in January. Most smart phones are WEA enabled.
Sargent Paul Shavack of the Delaware State Police says that people may opt out of alerts through their service provider, but encourages people not to.
“When a child’s life is in danger, the public awareness and input acts as a powerful force multiplier for us, and for other law enforcement agencies. And it helps tremendously to the successful recovery of missing and abducted children,” said Shavack.
The Wireless Emergency Alert has already proven itself successful in playing a major role in the recovery of an abducted child in Minnesota.
Delaware launched its Amber Alert Program in January 2003. The state has issued 8 Amber Alerts since the program started.
Amber Alerts are issued for abducted children only, and must meet strict criteria and can only be requested by law enforcement. To date nationwide, there have been 602 children rescued and returned specifically with the assistance of an Amber Alert.