Understanding Amber and Silver Alerts in Indiana: What You Need to Know
It is always heart-wrenching to learn of a missing person in your area but it can sometimes be confusing when it comes to the alerts issued by authorities, leaving you asking "What the heck is the difference between an Amber Alert and a Silver Alert anyway?"
How Many Children Missing in the United States
According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Department, in 2021, more than 300,000 reports were filed for missing persons and 32 percent of those were youth. The organization says that Amber Alerts have resulted in the recovery of more than 1,100 children.
As of January 2, 2023, 1,127 children were successfully recovered through the AMBER Alert system and 131 children were rescued because of wireless emergency alerts. There are 82 AMBER Alert plans throughout the United States.
Amber Alert vs Silver Alert
Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts are both alerts issued by law enforcement and both are used to share information about a missing person. However, there are differences between the two and while you might think an Amber Alert means a child is missing, you would only be half right.
What's the Difference Between an Amber Alert and a Silver Alert?
So what is the difference? In Indiana, both an Amber Alert and a Silver Alert can be used for a missing child. However, an Amber Alert is only used when it is believed the child has been abducted. In order for an Amber Alert to be issued, authorities must include details about a potential suspect and a vehicle.
Silver Alerts Are Issued For Children and Adults
Unlike an Amber Alert which is only issued for a missing child that is believed to have been abducted, and includes details about a possible suspect and vehicle, a Silver Alert can be issued for both children and adults who are believed to be missing or endangered.
[Source: WTHR]
Nearly 30 Children Recently Missing in Indiana
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