Missing Persons and Crime Alerts

AMBER Alert

Wisconsin's AMBER Alert Program is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Wisconsin Public Radio, the Dane County Public Safety Communication Center, the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Revenue — Division of Lottery, the Wisconsin EAS Committee, and local law enforcement agencies.

An AMBER Alert disseminates information to the public about the abduction of a child as rapidly as possible via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network (WCAN), digital billboards, Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Messaging Boards, and lottery display terminals. The broadcast will contain descriptive information about the child and the abduction. Citizens with information can then contact the appropriate law enforcement agency using the telephone number listed in the alert.

 AMBER Alert Criteria:

1. The child must be 17 years of age or younger.
2. The child must be in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm.
3. There must be enough descriptive information about the child(ren), suspect(s), or vehicle(s) to believe a broadcast will assist in the recovery.
   
   

Missing Child Alert

On April 10, 2024, 2023 Wisconsin Act 272 was signed into law. The Missing Child Alert was created to expand the criteria for issuing alerts for missing persons. The legislation revised § 175.51 and expanded the definition of a “person at risk” to include children.

The Missing Child Alert​ will be disseminated through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)*, the Wisconsin Lottery terminals throughout Wisconsin, along with the Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Messaging Boards.

*Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will be sent to mobile devices up to a 5 miles radius from the last known location, between the hours of 8am-9pm.

Missing Child Alert Criteria:

• The person at risk has not attained the age of 18 years, AND, the person is believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance due to a physical or mental condition or disability., OR, the person has not attained the age of 10 years, AND,
  • The individual(s) location is unknown, and,
  • It is within 72 hours of the individual’s disappearance, and,    
  • Their situation does not qualify for another alert (e.g., AMBER Alert).
  • The individual has been entered as missing into National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
  • There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person.
    
    

Silver Alert

On August 1, 2014, Wisconsin’s Silver Alert law took effect and is an important step in protecting those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other permanent cognitive impairment who may go missing. Silver Alerts are disseminated via email, text message, or fax using the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network (WCAN). In partnership with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Division of Lottery. Silver Alerts may be broadcast through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), digital billboards, Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Messaging Boards, and lottery display terminals. Silver Alerts do not utilize the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Silver Alert legislation requires law enforcement to issue a Silver Alert when the following criteria are met:

1. The missing person is 60 years of age or older.
2. The missing person is believed to have Alzheimer's, Dementia, or another permanent cognitive impairment which poses a threat to their health and safety.
3. There is reasonable belief that the missing person’s disappearance is due to their impaired cognitive condition.
4. The Silver Alert request is made within 72 hours of the individual’s disappearance.
5. There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person.
6. The missing person has been entered into NCIC.
   
   

Wisconsin has enacted legislation 2017 WISCONSIN ACT 175 relating to “alerts for missing veterans who have a service-related health condition.” This legislation has been commonly referred to as “Green Alert.”