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:

• Local media outlets
• Local Crime Stoppers
• A Child is Missing, Inc. 1-888-875-2246
• FBI National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime 1-800-634-4097
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (Florida Branch 1-561-848-1900)