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Massachusetts Child AMBER Alert

The Massachusetts Child AMBER Alert is an emergency alert system that helps recover abducted\missing children, named after Amber Hagerman who was abducted and murdered in 1996. The plan utilizes the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to interrupt regular radio\television broadcasts, while being posted on electronic signs along highways, roads and airports to help aid in the recover of abducted\missing children. In January of 2002, the Massachusetts State Police identified the need for establishing an AMBER Alert program in Massachusetts.

AMBER Alert is designed to instantly galvanize the public in the search for an abducted child. It encourages everyone to be on the lookout for the abducted child and suspect. During an AMBER Alert, you become a partner with law enforcement in our efforts to recover an abducted child.  If you become aware that an AMBER Alert has been activated, stay tuned to the radio or TV, or keep your eye out for the AMBER Alert message boards on the Highways and the MassPike. Pay attention to the details regarding the individuals and vehicles involved in the abduction. Then Be On the Look-Out (B.O.L.O.)  In the event that you spot a child, adult or vehicle fitting those described in the AMBER Alert, call 911 immediately and provide authorities with as much information as possible. 

How do I receive AMBER Alerts? 

  • AMBER Alerts are broadcast through radio, television, road signs, and the network of secondary distributors, which include digital signage, hotel chains, internet service providers, apps, and other technology. As of 2013, AMBER Alerts are also delivered to wireless phones through the Wireless Emergency Alerts program (WEA).
  • Most people will see AMBER Alerts directly from primary distribution and secondary distributors and do not require any additional steps.You may also choose to be notified of an AMBER Alert in the following ways: 
    • Visit on Facebook and “Like” the page to receive AMBER Alerts in your news feed. Facebook also automatically notifies users near the location of an AMBER Alert. 
    • Follow on Twitter to receive rapid AMBER Alert notifications on your Twitter feed and share the alert with your followers.