On Thursday 21 January 2016, Minister of Justice, Félix Braz, and Secretary of State for Internal Security, Francine Closener, presented the 'AMBER Alert' warning system for the abduction of minors which is due to be implemented in Luxembourg.
The presentation was held in the presence of Frank Hoen, President and Founder of AMBER Alert Europe, which will be providing the system free of charge to Luxembourg alongside Child Rescue and the Police Network for Missing Children. AMBER Alert Luxembourg represents a cooperation between the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Security, the Attorney General's Office and public prosecutors, the Grand Ducal Police and AMBER Alert Europe.
The latter is a international non-profit organisation comprised of 18 members, such as police, governmental departments and NGOs, across 14 countries. The police network consists of over 35 experts representing forces in 12 EU contries, whilst the objectives of AMBER Alert are supported by more than 150 MEPs.
Luxembourg's signature on the Cooperation Agreement will provide the country with the means of informing the public, rapidly and via numerous channels, in the event of a child abduction. The alarm is raised by the police on the order of the competent prosecutor.
The AMBER Alert message is emitted nationally when the police fear that the life of an abducted minor is in imminent danger, with the idea being that the entire population would then become mobilised in the search for the missing minor. A photo of the child concerned becomes instantly visible through various channels such as on the television and in railway stations and airports.
To achieve this, active collaboration with print media, radio and television, as well as the CFL and Mobilitéitszentral will be implemented. Airlines may also become involved, as well as the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure regarding billboards along motorways and the CITA system.
The AMBER Alert warning is also shared via text, email, Twitter, Facebook, apps and on different websites, in the hope that simultaneous mass publicationcould increase the chances of finding the minor before they come into harm. At this level, telecom operators will play a priority role as stakeholders in this project.
Parts of the warning system can also be used in the event of the worrying disappearance of a child who the police and judicial authorities have evidence-base reason to believe could be in immediate and serious danger. In this case, the necessary criteria would have to be met to trigger the AMBER Alert.
Photo by amberalert.eu
