​​​​​​​There's a reason AMBER Alerts are broadcast over the Emergency Alert System: AMBER Alerts are true emergencies. A child has been abducted. More than that, law enforcement believes that the child is in real danger of being hurt or being killed.

How it works

The Minnesota AMBER Alert Program was started in 2002 to dramatically increase the visibility of certain kinds of child abduction cases. Here's how it works: Local law enforcement agencies contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) if an abduction case meets the AMBER plan checklist. The BCA reviews the information, gathers additional information and photographs, and then issues the alert. Some cases don’t meet AMBER Alert criteria. When that happens, an Endangered Missing Person Alert or a Missing Person Alert is issued.

The Emergency Alert System broadcasts on radio and television, and the alert is sent to media outlets statewide. Wireless Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible cell phones in Minnesota. In addition, Minnesota Department of Transportation electronic message boards, ClearChannel electronic billboards and other means are used to blanket the state with messages about the AMBER Alert. Law enforcement, the BCA and the media all follow specific procedures for every AMBER Alert.

Sign up to receive AMBER Alerts

There are several ways to receive AMBER Alerts:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts - cell phones capable of receiving the alerts will receive the AMBER Alert message unless the phone’s owner opts out.
• Follow the BCA Facebook and X and the Department of Public Safety Instagram. Information on AMBER Alerts is posted here.
• Sign up to receive AMBER Alerts - receive AMBER Alerts via email or fax (free of charge).

These options are in addition to the radio broadcasts, billboards and television scrolls -- all of which speak to the urgent need to get the information out about an abducted child.

There have been 47 AMBER Alerts in Minnesota since the program's inception. All but one child has been located alive. The BCA and all agencies involved with the program know that safe recoveries are in great part due to the people of Minnesota stepping up when a child is most in need of help.

Learn more about Minnesota's AMBER Alert program.