The Ontario AMBER Alert program continues to be an instrumental tool in assisting both the public and police with locating an abducted child who may be in danger.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that calling 911 or any emergency service communication centre is not an appropriate venue to complain about AMBER Alerts.
The decision to utilize the Ontario AMBER Alert is based on established criteria, and is not taken lightly. In 2019, there have been five AMBER Alerts activated. As a direct result of these Alerts, four assisted in the safe return of the child/children and one with the apprehension of a suspect. The OPP recognizes the inconvenience the Alert may have caused, but will not apologize for using all of the tools available to help locate a child.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandated the broadcasting industry to distribute emergency alert messages, which includes AMBER Alerts. As of April 2018, compatible wireless networks (wireless public alerting) were included in this mandate. The only option to not receive these alerts to a mobile device is to have your device turned off. However, if your device is turned off you will be unable to receive any emergency alert that may contain information of imminent danger in your area.
For more information regarding Canada’s emergency alerting system please visit the Alert Ready website.
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I agree 100%..Im sure if this system were used decades ago we wouldn’t have so many missing children and adults too. I love it, keep up the great work. For those that don’t, shut your phone off or your cold heart.
I think it is a great way to help children in need! ( especially if the child doesn’t recognize he/ she is in danger!)
As for the complainers…. perhaps they should be punished for their ignorance!?
Well said…..
Come on! What if this was your child, grandchild, neighbour? This is the best immediate way to tell everyone about a child at risk. I’m glad this system is in place for us
Amber Alerts save lives. Keep up the good work OPP and thanks. Amber Alert Wake Me Anytime. Stop giving these complainers any more press time. It is undeserved.
I think it is absolutely disgusting that anyone complains about an amber alert. Whoopee. Your sleep is disturbed. How do you think the people concerned feel? Where is your compassion? GROW UP and stop whining!
Yes , I agree with your comments here . The noise of the alert is only temporary and if you don’t want to be disturbed while sleeping then turn off the sound on your device. Think about the success that comes from the alert and as concerned and compassionate citizens, we can all be aware of our surroundings to be of possible help in identifying victims and their perpetrators .
More people tend to complain , rather than report the positive results .
This has got to be the best way to alert people . If it was my child or grandchild I would like it to
be activated every half hour.