8-202 - Amber Alerts

In child abductions, getting critical information out to as many people as possible as fast as possible is the best way to help bring about the child’s safe and swift return.

BCA issues Amber Alerts

The BCA has sole discretion to issue Amber Alerts.

Requesting an Amber Alert Broadcast

To request an Amber Alert Broadcast the following criteria must be met:

1. The missing child is a victim of an abduction (parental or non-parental) or a runaway, and is 17 years of age or younger.

2. The child is believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
3. There is information available to disseminate to the general public, which could assist with the safe recovery of the victim or the apprehension of the suspect.
4. The missing child has been entered in NCIC.

Activating the MN Crime Alert Network

In cases where Amber Alert criteria are not met but the general public, other law enforcement agencies, businesses and the media could assist in locating the missing individual, the MN Crime Alert Network (MNCAN) may be activated. To request activation of the MCCAN officers should contact the BCA.

Notify supervisor and begin search

In instances when an Amber Alert may be warranted, officers shall notify their supervisor and begin an immediate search for the missing child.

Notify Watch Commander or Car 710

If it is immediately known that all criteria for an Amber Alert are met, the on-scene supervisor shall notify the Watch Commander or Car 710. The Watch Commander or Car 710 will decide if an Amber Alert Broadcast should be requested, and shall coordinate departmental notifications.

Contact BCA

To request an Amber Alert, a supervisor shall contact the BCA Communications Center at 651-793-7000 and request an Amber Alert Broadcast, providing the following information:

• When and where the child was abducted
• Description of child
• Description of abductor
• Description of vehicle, if involved
• Last known direction of travel
• If there is reason to believe the suspect has a relationship to the victim
• Number to contact for general information or questions
• NCIC number

• Amber Alert: Utilizes the State's Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Minnesota Crime Alert Network (MNCAN). It allows law enforcement agencies to collaborate with local broadcasters through the use of an early-warning system to alert the public when a child is in danger.
• Bodily Harm: Physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
• CIC: CIC is the code, which stands for "Crisis Intervention Call," used on a Police Report for situations involving a transport hold, and when a Police Report is completed in other situations involving a person in crisis.
• Confidential Informant:

  A person who cooperates with a law enforcement agency confidentially in order to protect the person or the MPD’s intelligence gathering or investigative efforts, and:

  1. Seeks to:
     1. Avoid arrest or prosecution for a crime; or
     2. Mitigate punishment for a crime in which a sentence will be or has been imposed; or
     3. Receive a monetary or other benefit;
  2. Is able, by reason of the person’s familiarity or close association with suspected criminals, to:
     1. Make a controlled buy or controlled sale of contraband, controlled substance, or other items that are material to a criminal investigation;
     2. Supply regular or constant information about suspected or actual criminal activities to a law enforcement agency;
     3. Otherwise provide information important to ongoing criminal intelligence gathering or criminal investigative efforts.
• Missing Child:

  A person who is:

  • Younger than 18 years of age and
  • Whose whereabouts are unknown to the child’s parent, guardian or responsible party.
• National Crime Information Center: The National Crime Information Center database helps criminal justice professionals apprehend fugitives, locate missing persons, recover stolen property, and identify terrorists. It also assists law enforcement officers in performing their official duties more safely and provides them with information necessary to aid in protecting the general public.
• Runaway: An unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.