Currently, Oregon’s emergency alert system does not issue AMBER Alerts or other public alerts for every missing child. Strict criteria—such as confirmed abduction and immediate danger—must be met before an AMBER Alert is activated. This means that children like [Dane Paulsen], a missing 2-year-old from our community, do not qualify for an alert, leaving the public uninformed and reducing the chances of a swift recovery.

Other states, such as Texas, have broader alert systems that notify residents of a range of emergencies, including missing children who may not meet AMBER Alert criteria. Oregon must take similar steps to protect our most vulnerable residents.

Our Request:

We urge Oregon lawmakers and emergency management officials to take immediate action to:

1.) Expand the State’s Emergency Alert Criteria:

-Implement a “Missing Child Alert” system, similar to the Endangered Missing Persons Alert in other states, which would notify the public about missing children regardless of abduction status.

-Ensure alerts are issued for missing children under a certain age who are believed to be at risk, even if there is no confirmed abduction.

-Establish clear guidelines for law enforcement to request these alerts when appropriate.

2.) Improve Public Awareness and Alert Dissemination:

-Utilize the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system to push notifications directly to phones.

-Expand partnerships with local media, highway signs, and social media to rapidly distribute information.

3.) Work with the FCC and Federal Agencies:

-Advocate for Oregon’s eligibility to expand emergency alert usage under federal guidelines.

-Ensure state and local emergency alert systems are fully integrated and equipped to handle broader missing child alerts.

Why This Matters:

Every second counts when a child is missing. Public alerts dramatically increase the chances of finding a child safely. By expanding alert criteria, Oregon can close a dangerous gap in its current system and give families, law enforcement, and the public the tools they need to help.

We ask that our state officials take swift action to implement these changes to better protect Oregon’s children.