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Van Hollen Helps Launch New AMBER Alert Initiative

Date: March 9, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice


Van Hollen Helps Launch New AMBER Alert Initiative

Truck Drivers to Use Wireless Technology in Nationwide Search for Abducted Children

Washington, D.C. - U. S. Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today joined U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AK), U.S. Representative Mark Foley (R-FL), and other officials to launch a new initiative designed to expand the audience alerted to watch for abducted children. The AMBER Alert Highway Network, a partnership of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children" (NCMEC) and QUALCOMM" Incorporated, is the first secondary-distribution initiative to direct AMBER Alerts to professional truck drivers who are near the Alert area.

"I am pleased to be a part of the launching of this new partnership," said Van Hollen. "It was a truck driver who was responsible for the apprehension of the Beltway sniper who terrorized our area just a few short years ago. That case underscores the fact that law enforcement officials cannot apprehend criminals alone. The eyes and ears of America's truck drivers who are a constant presence on our roadways will be an invaluable tool in rescuing many children from the hands of their abductors."

The AMBER Alert Highway Network delivers Alerts to drivers through on-board wireless communications solutions, enabling professional truck drivers and their motor carrier companies to support law enforcement nationwide in recovering abducted children.

Although the AMBER Alert programs are recognized nationwide as critical tools to save abducted children, having helped to find more than 240 children since their inception, this is the first time the trucking industry has joined the growing number of businesses and organizations committed to the safety of America's children through participation in this initiative.

The AMBER Alert (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) program is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters and transportation agencies to issue an urgent bulletin in the most serious child abduction cases. For more information about the AMBER Alert Highway Network and instructions to enroll, please visit www.qualcomm.com/qwbs or call 1-800-348-7227.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/md08_vanhollen/New_AMBER_Alert.html

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