• Types of Alerts
  • AMBER Alert
    • AMBER Alert Criteria
    • AMBER Alert FAQ
  • Missing Child Alert
  • Spectrum Alert
  • Purple Alert
  • Silver Alert

AMBER Alert Criteria

AMBER Alert Criteria

To activate an AMBER Alert, the following five (5) criteria must be met:

1. The child must be under the age of 18.
2. Law enforcement must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that a kidnapping has occurred.
3. Law enforcement must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.
4. There must be a detailed description of the child and or the abductor/vehicle to broadcast the public.
5. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend 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 online sign-up 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).

Resources:

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