AMBER alerts prove valuable

OLYMPIA - State officials are hailing the effectiveness of the AMBER Alert system in the wake of eight successful activations and recoveries so far in 2013.

"The value of the AMBER Alert system in these recoveries cannot be overstated," State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said. "Timely public awareness was crucial and directly helped law enforcement safely recover these abducted children."

The AMBER Alert system is a partnership between law enforcement and other government agencies, the media, and the public designed to rescue children who have been abducted.

On Aug. 18, a 15-year-old girl was abducted from Davenport by a non-family member. As a result of the AMBER Alert, an alert Chelan County deputy located the vehicle at a gas station less than an hour later. The child was safely recovered and her abductor taken into custody.

The Washington State Patrol maintains the statewide AMBER Alert plan, and there are nearly 200 local AMBER Alert plans developed by local and county law enforcement agencies. The State Patrol coordinates all alerts received from out-of- state.

Previous years activations in Washington State were eight during 2010, three during 2011, and nine in 2012.