Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

Seven years ago, California developed its own statewide Amber Alert system, which has since then recovered 179 abducted children and returned them to their families.

Created by a bill that I authored in 2002, California’s Amber Alert Program gives the California Highway Patrol the authority and responsibility to coordinate the Amber Alert system with Caltrans and TV and radio broadcasters.

It works like this: Local law enforcement agencies contact the CHP, which decides if the call meets the criteria for issuing an alert. If so, the CHP contacts the National Weather Service, which then broadcasts the message on all radio and television stations that have agreed to interrupt their regular programs. Furthermore, Caltrans activates its Changeable Message Signs. The alert asks the public to keep an eye out for the suspect, vehicle or victim.

(As a side note: California was the first state to use Changeable Message Signs along freeways to notify drivers to be on the lookout for suspect and victims).

I applaud the coordinated efforts of the different agencies and the public who have made the program a success.

Amber Alert is something that should make all Californians proud.

Amber Alert systems have been established in all 50 states. The Amber Alert Program originated in Texas in 1996 after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted and murdered.