Which item is needed for an Amber Alert?

• A. Description of the child
• B. Signature from parents
• C. Last place seen
• D. Age

Answer: (A)

Amber Alerts are rapid notices issued when a child has been abducted and is believed to be in imminent danger. The most essential component to trigger and effectively use an Amber Alert is a clear description of the child. This description provides the public with concrete details—physical characteristics, clothing, height, hair color, facial features, distinguishing marks—that allow people to recognize and spot the child quickly. Without a descriptive profile, the alert lacks the key information that makes crowdsourcing help possible.

A signature from parents isn’t a factor in initiating an Amber Alert, and while knowing where the child was last seen or the child’s exact age can be helpful, they do not on their own drive the alert. The critical piece that enables rapid recognition and response is the description of the child.