This issue features four articles: one article that examines whether proposed changes by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may limit the use of AMBER Alerts in several Western States; an article that describes the effective use of an AMBER Alert in Ohio; an article that profiles the use of AMBER Alert in Indian Country; and a fourth article that explains how Mexico and the United States are cooperating to stop child abductions through AMBER Alert International.
A proposed FCC auction of the broadcast spectrum may impact the outreach of AMBER Alerts in several Western States, causing some broadcasters concern that the change will prevent rural residents from receiving AMBER Alerts. Once the auction is complete, a "repacking" process will likely be used to reposition some television stations to different spectrum locations; it is unclear whether the translators will still function. Broadcasters in the Western States affected are urging the FCC and Congress to ensure the translators still function after the auction and repacking are completed. An article on the impact of AMBER Alert in Wisconsin's Indian Country explains how the search for abducted children from Tribal communities is aided by Wisconsin's participation in the Inter-State Enforcement Agencies to Recover Children. Another article describes the successful use of AMBER Alert in Ohio when two men informed by an AMBER Alert spotted and followed the car described in the Alert while calling 911. This led to the recovery of a child abducted by a non-custodial parent. A fourth article describes a recent collaboration and training that involved just over 70 local, State, and Federal law enforcement and victim advocates in discussions about cooperative efforts to protect abducted children taken across national borders. Recent news on AMBER Alert activities is also reported.