Why isn’t an AMBER Alert issued every time a child is reported missing? Because an AMBER Alert is a specialized public-abduction alert. It is one part of the response, not the entire missing-child system. The Department of Justice recommends four basic criteria: Law enforcement reasonably believes an abduction occurred. The child is believed to be in imminent danger of serious injury or death. There is enough descriptive information for the public to help. The child is 17 years old or younger. Individual state and regional plans may define or add requirements. The system depends on actionable information. A current photograph, description of the child and suspect, vehicle information, license plate or direction of travel gives the public something specific to look for. But this distinction is important: no AMBER Alert does not mean no investigation. Law enforcement can still investigate, enter the child into national databases, coordinate with other agencies and use additional notification systems. If a child is missing, report it immediately. There is no requirement to wait 24 hours. An AMBER Alert is one powerful tool. The search for a missing child is much bigger. I’m Aram Choe. Now you know. - @911strong