A change has been made to the criteria required to launch an AMBER Alert.
The change was minor, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, but a review of the language was prompted by the alerts activated in Iowa and two kidnapping and murder investigations.
The following change has been made:
- There is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect’s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help.
The change was made after the AMBER Alert Criteria Group met. They group suggested that law enforcement officials take the criteria in a broader sense; with the goal to safely bring home all of Iowa’s abducted children.
The group, made-up of representatives from nearly a dozen law enforcement associations, also noted that all Iowa law enforcement should be trained on the AMBER Alert criteria.
Any questions can be directed to Major Todd Misel at 515-725-6111 or Director Charis Paulson at 515-971-4733.
