Community Service

OAB History

OAB Directors

Background:

In 1996 the kidnapping and brutal murder of nine year old Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas made the community come together and think of innovative ways in which to make their community a safer place for their children. This is how the AMBER Alert system was founded.

When there's a confirmed case of a child abduction police notify their local broadcasters and supply them with all known information on the child, their abductor and any vehicle involved. The police now have thousands of sets of eyes trying to assist them in saving the child's life and apprehending their abductor. Police believe the first two to five hours of an abduction are the most crucial. So it's important to get the information on the missing child out quickly and often.

In the US the program has gone nationwide. So far the AMBER Alert program has resulted in the safe return of over 50 abducted children.

Amber Alert in Ontario:

The government of Ontario recently endorsed the Amber Alert program in Ontario. The Ontario Amber Alert program is a voluntary cooperative plan between radio/television stations, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ontario Provincial Police. The plan calls for the OPP to provide media outlets with critical information concerning a confirmed child abduction, which could assist locating the child. The Ontario Association of Broadcasters is acting as the liaison between radio/TV and the OPP.

Amber Alert Mission:

To locate a child within hours of a confirmed abduction.

How an Amber Alert is activated:

A request to activate an Amber Alert must be made by an Ontario law enforcement officer holding the rank of Inspector or above. The request is send to OPP Headquarters. The GHQ 24 hour Duty office is responsible for ensuring the Amber Alert meets the criteria and contacting the media via their requested method (based on time of day). The GHQ Duty office is also responsible for canceling an Alert.

Criteria:

Before an alert is initiated, the following three criteria must be met:

1. Law enforcement agency confirms a child under 18 years of age has been abducted;

2. Law enforcement agency believes the circumstances surrounding the abduction indicated that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death; and

3. There is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help in locating the child.

Ontario Amber Alert Response Procedures for radio/TV:

1. Agree to air Amber Alerts.

2. Amber Alerts may only be issued and cancelled by the OPP. The OPP may issue the alert in a region of Ontario or province wide, depending on the circumstances.

3. Implement the Amber Alert Response Protocol within each individual station. Each staff member should understand how an AMBER Alert will be handled when it is received. You are encouraged to name an Amber Alert Director (ie. news director) who would be responsible for maintaining the protocol.

4. Fill out the Amber Alert Response Procedure contact form (included). This will include pertinent information on how to best contact the station. This should include information on reaching staff during automated hours (ie. overnight). It is understood that some of the email addresses, fax and phone numbers are confidential and will only be used in the event of an Amber Alert.

5. Ensure this contact form is kept up-to-date with the OAB. Fax the completed form to 416-686-6472.

6. Develop and discuss your Amber Alert Response Protocol with your local OPP community duty officer.

7. The Amber Alert should be put on the air as soon as possible, using the official Amber Alert Tone. It is recommended that the Alert be aired four times per hour for approximately three hours until the Alert is cancelled.

8. Air PSA's on your station informing your listeners of your participation in the program and conditioning them to hear the Alert tone.

Amber Alert Tone:

Amber Alert has an official tone. It may be downloaded at the OAB web site (www.oab.ca). This tone should be used preceding all Amber Alert activations. It may also be used in station PSA's to condition your listeners/viewers.

Television:

Television stations may elect to scroll an Amber Alert.