What is the Amber Alert?

"It’s a very important tool for us when a child goes missing. It has often allowed us to advance quickly in our investigations," said Claude Charlebois, head of the youth intervention and prevention division of the Montreal police service.

Before police put out an Amber Alert, four criteria must be filled: the child involved is less than 18 years old; police have reason to believe the missing child is the victim of an abduction; police have reason to believe the child’s security or life is in danger; there is information on the child, the suspect, and/or the vehicle used by the suspect. Once these four points are present, the police or one of their partners can put out an alert.

Once this is done, Transport Quebec highway panels will broadcast the message. In addition, the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)’s road patrollers also help with the search.

Television and radio stations will also broadcast a description of the child, of the suspect and/or of the vehicle. The alert asks people to immediately call 911 if they have any information that can help.

The information is played on the radio every 20 minutes for two hours or less if the child is found. On television, the details are broadcast on a scrolling banner, continuously for two hours.

"There are some people who say it doesn’t do much," said Charlebois. "But I don’t agree. It’s an essential tool for what we do. We can’t underrate how much it helps us in our investigations.”

(Translated by Elyse Amend)

(Photo: Courtesy)