South Dakota, Other States Mark 11th Anniversary of Amber Alert System

South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long said last week that January 13, 2007 is National Amber Alert Day in South Dakota. Governor Mike Rounds has signed a proclamation which coincides with similar declarations made across the country and recognizes the 11-year anniversary of the Amber Alert program.

The Amber Alert System began in 1996 after nine-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted from her home in Texas and then murdered. In March of 2003, the system was implemented in South Dakota. The Amber Alert System relies on law enforcement, media and citizens working together to accomplish the recovery of children who have been abducted.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 308 children nationwide have been safely recovered because of the Amber Alert System.

South Dakota participating agencies include the following: Governors Office, Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Information Technology, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, State Radio, South Dakota Lottery, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, South Dakota Truckers Association, National Weather Service and the South Dakota Broadcasters Association and their members.