Amber Alerts in California

While watching a movie on cable tonight, the T.V. station I was watching cut to an emergency broadcast. More specifically, an Amber Alert. While I think Amber Alerts are a great idea and a great way to make the public aware, I think the Amber Alert system is missing a very important element: pictures.

How many times have you seen an Amber Alert on the highway or heard one on T.V. or radio? Ive heard at least 20. But heres the problem: Amber Alerts provide a physical description of a missing child. Each description could fit hundreds of children.

For Example: ***Amber Alert*** Be on the lookout for a seven year old Caucasian female with brown shoulder length hair and brown eyes. She is approximately four feet tall and weighs about 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans.

Just imagine how many seven year old girls fit this vague description. And, if youre like me, youll forget the specifics of the description soon after you hear it. Then you find yourself looking at all young Caucasian girls wondering if they might be the girl everyone is looking for.

If every Amber Alert that went out was accompanied by a picture, the missing child would be much easier to spot. Providing a photo would also eliminate the fear that you are reporting the wrong person and bringing unnecessary stress onto an innocent family.

I believe that Amber Alerts should be taken one step further, and all efforts should be made to provide photographs when announced on television or the internet. I would like this to be made California State Law and/or Standard Operating Procedure.

If you agree, please sign this petition.

Thank You,
Amber
(No, not THAT Amber)