Amber Alerts going wireless
Posted May 26, 2010 03:52:12 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canada’s Amber Alert system is going wireless in an effort to reach millions of cellphone users.
The country’s cellphone industry is getting together with the RCMP and other police forces to offer free Amber Alerts to most wireless phone users.
The alerts — which are issued to the public after a reported child abduction — will be sent as text messages to those who sign up for the service.
Getting the word out quickly after an abduction is a big part of police efforts to help get a child returned safely.
Those who want to join the program — which is available in all 10 provinces and three territories — can subscribe online by clicking here.
So far, the companies taking part are Bell, Fido, Koodo, MTS, NorthernTel, Rogers, SaskTel, Solo Mobile, Tilibec, TELUS, Videotron and Virgin Mobile.
“Through co-operation between the RCMP and wireless service providers, this initiative will demonstrate how technology can help fight serious criminal activity and make the most vulnerable citizens in our society safer,” said Vic Toews, Canada’s minister of public safety.
Bernard Lord, who heads the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, added, “If one of our most precious citizens is abducted, wireless Amber Alerts can put the immediate power to help in the hands of Canada’s 23 million cellphone customers.”
