Section 1292.10  Purpose

 

The purpose of this Part is to develop and implement a coordinated program for a statewide emergency alert system to be used when a child is abducted.

 

Section 1292.20  Definitions

 

"AMBER Alert Notification Plan" means the system implemented to broadcast critical information to the public when a child is abducted.

 

"AMBER Plan Task Force" means the group appointed by the Illinois Department of State Police to monitor and review the implementation and operation of the plan, including procedures, budgetary requirements, and response protocols.  The Task Force shall also develop additional network resources for use in the system.

 

"Child" means a minor under the age of 16 or an individual with a proven mental or physical disability, which may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

"Child Safety Coordinator" means the Illinois Department of State Police employee appointed to assist in the establishment of State standards for child safety from kidnap and abduction and to advocate for the achievement of those standards.  The qualifications and experience for the position shall include the knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration; at least one year of professional experience in a public or private organization; prior law enforcement experience, preferably in crimes against children; ability to assist with the development and management of a supportive agency program; ability to assist in the interpretation of Department policies and procedures; and the ability to maintain cooperative working relationships.

 

"Department" means the Illinois Department of State Police.

 

"Investigative law enforcement agency" means the law enforcement agency leading the investigation in the jurisdiction in which the abduction occurred.

 

Section 1292.30  Requirements

 

The following criteria must be met to activate the AMBER Alert Notification Plan:

 

a)         The investigative law enforcement agency must confirm that a child has been abducted.

 

b)         The investigative law enforcement agency must confirm that the child meets the definition of child contained within Section 1292.20 of this Part.

 

c)         Law enforcement officials must believe the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.

 

d)         There must be sufficient descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help locate the child, abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle.

 

Section 1292.40  Procedures

 

a)         The investigative law enforcement agency must confirm the situation meets the criteria outlined in Section 1292.30 of this Part and then contact the Illinois Department of State Police Springfield Communications Center to request activation of the AMBER Alert Notification Plan.

 

b)         The investigative law enforcement agency shall notify all Illinois law enforcement agencies of a child abduction alert through the Law Enforcement Agencies Database System (LEADS) and other state law enforcement agencies through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).

 

c)         Critical information relating to the abduction will be sent via the National Weather Service Emergency Alert System to statewide media outlets by the Illinois Department of State Police Springfield Communications Center. 

 

d)         The Illinois Department of State Police Springfield Communications Center will request that the media broadcast details of the abduction in order to obtain the public's assistance in locating the abducted child, abductor, and/or vehicle used in the abduction.

 

e)         The Illinois Department of State Police Springfield Communications Center will contact the Illinois Department of Transportation in order to post the critical information relating to the abduction on Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Tollway electronic message signs on roads and highways and Illinois State websites.

 

Section 1292.50  Responsibilities

 

a)         The Department shall establish an AMBER Plan Task Force.

 

b)         The Department shall appoint a Child Safety Coordinator.

 

c)         The Department, in coordination with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, shall develop and implement a community outreach program to promote awareness among the State's parents and children of child abduction prevention and response.

 

d)         The Department, in coordination with the Illinois State Board of Education, shall develop child abduction prevention instruction for inclusion in elementary and secondary school curricula throughout the State.  The Department and State Board of Education shall encourage the inclusion of the child abduction prevention instruction in private elementary and secondary school curricula throughout the State.