News Releases for February 2003
February 6, 2003
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Rolls Out Statewide AMBER Alert System
AMBER Alert Fact sheet 
(155kb pdf)
AMBER Alert Attendees (147kb pdf)
AMBER Alert Map (324kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that North Dakota broadcasters and state agencies have finalized the development of the statewide AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert system to support local and tribal law enforcement, the first responders to a child abduction.
Tests of individual components of the system have taken place. A statewide systems test has been scheduled for today at 2 p.m., CST. Following the test, the system will be fully operational statewide.
“The AMBER Alert system reflects North Dakota’s deep commitment to the safety of our children and our communities,” Hoeven said. “If a child abduction -- or any other pressing public emergency -- occurs, this system will ensure that potentially life-saving information is shared immediately with the public.”
The Governor signed a proclamation on August 30, 2002, directing development of a statewide AMBER Alert system. Representatives of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association (NDBA) and seven state agencies have been collaborating on the development.
“The AMBER Alert system is a proven resource in saving children’s lives,” said Rick Hessinger, State Radio Communications interim director. “It facilitates the planned, coordinated efforts of all state resources, including the participation of every citizen, in fulfilling the most sacred of our responsibilities -- the responsibility of keeping our children safe.”
In North Dakota’s State Emergency Operations Plan, the N.D. Highway Patrol has lead responsibility for activating the AMBER Alert system. "The citizens of North Dakota are the real benefactors of this plan," said Colonel James M. Hughes of the Highway Patrol. "They can be proud of the teamwork and dedication displayed by everyone who participated in its development and implementation."
The state’s broadcasters have agreed to interrupt their regular programming for an AMBER Alert.
"North Dakota broadcasters are uniquely positioned to disseminate information rapidly to an entire community. No other industry is capable of broadcasters' reach in conveying this information,” said Syd Stewart, NDBA chair and general manager of KFYR-AM and KYYY-FM. “The local broadcasters have the ability to get information to the public with unparalleled immediacy. This is what we are all about - serving the communities we live in.”
Local police and sheriff’s offices have welcomed the addition of a statewide system. “I think all local police agencies are excited to have a statewide AMBER Alert system to support our efforts. It’s a really nice package that the state is coordinating under one umbrella,” said Paul Leingang, who coordinates the AMBER Alert program for the Mandan Police Department.
Hoeven said, “We hope we never have to use it, but if we do, we are prepared as a state to support local and tribal government, as well as our neighboring states.”
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