To activate an AMBER alert the following five (5) criteria must be met:
- The child is under the age of 18
- Law enforcement has a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that a kidnapping has occurred
- Law enforcement has a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury
- There is a detailed description of the child and or the abductor/vehicle to broadcast the public
- The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction recommends activation
Activation Process
- The local law enforcement agency will call the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse(MEPIC) at 1-888-356-4774.
- The FDLE will work in conjunction with the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction to determine if information is to be broadcast on a regional or statewide basis.
- The FDLE working in conjunction with the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction will prepare information for public distribution.
- The FDLE will ensure that the information is broadcast through the Emergency Alert System, dynamic highway message signs, lottery machines, text message and email through www.missingchildrenalert.com and other resources.
Note: Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of an AMBER Alert. If you would like to report a missing person, please contact your local police department or sheriff’s office first, then contact MEPIC at 1-888-FL MISSING (356-4774).
Available Resources