What’s the difference between an Amber Alert and an Endangered Missing Persons alert?
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The search for missing Everman, Texas, child Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez
Here is what’s known about the investigation and the events that police have pieced together so far.
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An Endangered Missing Persons alert was issued for missing 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez on Saturday replacing an Amber Alert that was issued less than 48 hours before.
What’s the difference between the two alerts?
Endangered Missing Persons Alert
An Endangered Missing Persons Alert is meant for missing people of any age with an intellectual disability.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the following criteria has to be met for an Endangered Missing Persons Alert:
- The missing person is diagnosed with an intellectual disability or an pervasive developmental disorder. Law enforcement require a written diagnosis from a physician or psychologist licensed to practice in Texas, or certified by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services or the Texas Department of State Health Services.
There is a credible threat to the health and safety of the missing person.
Made within 72 hours of the missing person’s disappearance.
There is sufficient information available to broadcast to the public to help locate the missing person.
Amber Alert
An Amber Alert is the broadcast emergency response for a missing child ages 17 or younger.
According to the Department of Justice, the following criteria are guidelines to follow before issuing an Amber Alert:
- There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
- Law Enforcement believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
- There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an Amber Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.
- The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.
- The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.
This story was originally published March 27, 2023 at 10:44 AM.
