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Puck
The Texan
Joined: 05 Jan 2004
Posts: 5596
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 Tue May 17, 2005 9:12 pm Cell Phone Amber Alerts |
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| Quote: |
CNN.com
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Cell phones can now receive Amber Alerts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Amber Alert system used by police to let the public know when a child is missing is being expanded to cell phones.
The wireless industry announced Tuesday that subscribers can receive text messages on their phones when an alert is issued. The service is available in every state and is free to subscribers of most major cellular carriers.
About 200 to 250 Amber Alerts are issued each year. The Internet, radio and television stations broadcast the information, which also is flashed on highway signs on major roadways in the area where the child is believed missing.
Cell phone users who want such information so they can aid in searches can designate up to five zip codes and would receive alerts if a child is reported missing in any of them. Subscribers would also be notified of alerts issued for their state or metropolitan area.
"With more than 60 percent of Americans owning wireless devices, and seldom going anywhere without them, this initiative will significantly increase the reach of the Amber Alert program," said Steve Largent, president of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association.
Subscribers with phones capable of receiving text messages can register at www.wirelessamberalerts.orgexternal link or through participating carriers' Web sites. A typical message would include details about the missing child and contact information for reporting a sighting.
Since the alert system began in 1997, more than 200 children have been recovered, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which teamed with the wireless industry to expand to cell phones.
The system is named for 9-year-old Amber Hagerman of Arlington, Texas, who was killed after being kidnapped while riding her bicycle near her home in 1996.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Thought I would sticky this so that if anyone was interested in registering they could.
Register at:
www.wirelessamberalerts.org
Last edited by Puck on Sun May 22, 2005 3:32 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Wed May 18, 2005 12:19 am |
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This is a very good idea. Sadly, I dont have a "normal" cell Phone
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zero
Rear Admiral
Joined: 03 Apr 2005
Posts: 4566
Location: Texas
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| Wed May 18, 2005 1:20 pm |
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I like this idea. When I am driving on the freeways and I see the amber alerts... they give u a description of the car and stuff, I am like an eagle looking for it. lol.
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madlilnerd
Duchess of Dancemat
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 5885
Location: Slough, England
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| Wed May 18, 2005 2:10 pm |
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Hey, that's a great idea! I bet it would help loads.
They should send a picture of the missing child to colour screen phones. That would help lots
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Starbuck
faster...
Joined: 19 Feb 2003
Posts: 8715
Location: between chaos and melody
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| Wed May 18, 2005 3:56 pm |
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This is a good idea, but I don't think I want to give the gov't my cell phone number. Its easier for them to find you.  j/k. I think I'll redgister when my cellie is activated.
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zero
Rear Admiral
Joined: 03 Apr 2005
Posts: 4566
Location: Texas
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| Wed May 18, 2005 3:59 pm |
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The only thing is though... would they charge you for this? Because Cingular charges me ten cents for each text message sent/recieved.
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Seven of Nine
Sammie's Mammy
Joined: 16 Jun 2001
Posts: 7871
Location: North East England
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| Thu May 19, 2005 8:02 am |
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They should do something like the Amber Alert scheme here in the UK. It's a good idea, and being able to have the messages sent to your mobile or pager will help.
You have to pay for receiving text messages zero? That's awful! Nearly as bad as having to pay to receive calls!
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