National Amber Alert Awareness Day Observed in W. Va.

In January 2002 West Virginia initiated the Statewide Amber Alert Plan to assist in recovering abducted children. Since the inception of the program, there have been seven Amber Alert activations. On a national level, Amber Alert has been responsible for hundreds of successful recoveries of abducted children.

Saturday, January 13, 2007, is National Amber Alert Awareness Day. The West Virginia State Police is announcing their participation in the National Awareness of Amber Alert and asking the public to join them in recognizing and supporting Amber Alert.

Information concerning West Virginia's Amber Plan can be obtained by logging on the West Virginia State Police web page at www.wvstatepolice.com and clicking on the "Amber Alert" link. Also provided on the site is a link entitled "Wireless Amber Alerts". The link will allow anyone with a cell phone to subscribe to the wireless association and receive notification of Amber Alerts in their area, free of charge.

Elementary schools across the state have also been asked to participate in the event. Fifth grade students have been challenged to develop posters that highlight National Awareness of Amber Alert. Information about how to participate in the poster contest has been forwarded to school administrators across the state. Please contact your local school principal if you have questions about your school's participation.


More information concerning nationally broadcast Amber Alerts and on how parents can keep their children safe can be obtained by visiting The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com.