Connecticut Amber Alert - Frequently Asked Questions

How a CT AMBER Alert Works

Once law enforcement responds to the scene and obtains a description of the child, abductor and vehicle, this information is immediately reported to the Connecticut State Police Message Center and recorded on an audio Alert Message. The emergency message is immediately broadcast to all radio and television stations across the state through the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This is the same alert used during severe weather emergencies.

The goal of the AMBER Alert System is to instantly notify the entire state, so everyone may assist in the search for the safe return of the child. The public immediately becomes the ears and eyes of law enforcement and can assist in the search for the missing child.

In the event that you see someone fitting the description of the child, adult, or vehicle from the AMBER Alert, immediately call 911. Provide authorities with as much information as possible.

The AMBER Alert helps to recover children and serves as a deterrent to this type of crime.

During an AMBER Alert, the Connecticut Lottery will:

• Send an immediate text message to 2,800 Lottery retailers statewide.
• Retailers will print and post copies of the Alert message in their store.
• The Alert message will be re-broadcast to retailers every half-hour for the first ninety minutes.
• The Alert message will continue to be sent every hour after that, for up to five hours.
• The Alert information will also be displayed on 300 Lottery Electronic Message Units statewide.

Important Links:

• Code AMBER
• CT Lottery
• CT Broadcasters Association
• CT Police Chiefs  Association
• Free Child ID Kits
• National Center For Missing & Exploited Children
• Polly Klaas Foundation
• Wireless AMBER Alerts
  

Wireless AMBER Alerts™ Campaign

A multi-media public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to raise awareness of Wireless AMBER Alerts™ and encourage all wireless subscribers to aid in the search for abducted children.

The Origin of the AMBER Plan

In 1996, a 9 year-old girl named Amber was abducted while playing near her home in Texas. She was later found murdered.

The Association of Radio Managers, with the assistance of law enforcement, feeling they could do more to help, created the AMBER Alert System in Texas. This system was designed to give radio listeners and television viewers immediate information about any child abduction.

In Connecticut, the Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA), working with the Connecticut Chiefs of Police, and Connecticut State Police, with the approval of Governor Rowland created and implemented Connecticut's AMBER Alert Plan.

This system is now in place, in hopes of quickly alerting citizens of any abduction/kidnapping and enlisting them in the search efforts.