DP 2.05 AMBER Alerts

Question 1

What does CCSAN stand for?

Answer 1

California Child Safety Amber Network

Question 2

What is a CARE alert and who activates it?

Answer 2

California Abduction Regional Emergency/ SDSO.

Question 3

What is CMS and who is responsible for their activation?

Answer 3

Changeable Message Signs/ CHP

Question 4

What is EAS and how is it utilized?

Answer 4

Emergency Alert System/ VIa an encoder or statewide through the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Warning Center

Question 5

What is EDIS and how is the information sent?

Answer 5

Emergency Digital Information Service/ created and
currently administered by OES. Provides local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with a direct computer link to media outlets and other agencies. Messages may be sent CLETS, images and graphics can be posted on the EDIS
website (http://edis.oes.ca.gov).

Question 6

What is Critical Reach, formerly known as TRAK?

Answer 6

An image-based system linking state, county, and local enforcement agencies.. The Critical Reach system can capture and immediately distribute color photographs and images to law enforcement agencies, media outlets and other organizations. The system is also capable of transmitting information via facsimile to agencies (businesses, hospitals, schools, media outlets) without immediate access to the Critical Reach system. Although broadcasts can originate from any Critical Reach system, the CHP can assist with the dissemination of information. Photographs and/or images should be e-mailed in a JPEG or BMP format to the CHP Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center (ENTAC) at entac@chp.ca.gov (confidential e-mail address intended for law enforcement use only).

Question 7

What conditions must be met to issue an AMBER Alert?

Answer 7

1. A confirmed abduction has occurred;
2. The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or of proven mental or physical disability;
3. The victim is reasonably believed by local law enforcement to be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death; and,
4. There is information available that, if disseminated to the general public, could assist in the safe recovery of the victim.

Question 8

What are the responsibilities of the area station during a child abduction.

Answer 8

Patrol will notify Sgt.and communications. Sgt will notify watch commander to initiate CCSAN. Patrol will obtain a case # and complete MP report. If a vehicle was also taken, that report will be completed as well. MP (and veh) will be entered into CLETS. Obtain victim, suspect, and vehicle photos and scan into nearest Critical Reach terminal and complete flyer.

Question 9

What are the responsibilities of the watch commander during a child abduction.

Answer 9

Instruct Teletype personnel to send an EDIS
message via CLETS, if sufficient information is
available, the Watch Commander will then determine if an EAS message should be sent to the public locally or statewide. For a local EAS, the Watch Commander shall complete the AMBER
Alert Activation Media Advisory form. For a statewide EAS, the Watch Commander shall contact the OES Warning Center. When deemed necessary, the Watch Commander may contact the
local California Highway Patrol (CHP) office who will assist in the deployment of the mobile CMS,