The Arkansas Highway Commission recently authorized the implementation of Morgan Nick Amber Alerts on the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s (AHTD) Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) Network and the development of a changeable message sign system to enhance the notification of child abductions, according to J.W. “Buddy” Benafield, Chairman of the Commission.  The nationally implemented Amber Alert System originated in Texas as an emergency broadcast effort to partner law enforcement with statewide media to provide rapid dissemination of information about missing children or minors. 

             Known in Arkansas as the Morgan Nick Amber Alert System for several years, it is a cooperative project among participating Arkansas law enforcement agencies working together with more than 250 Arkansas radio and television stations, other news mediums and public agencies.  “With the Arkansas State Police serving as the intermediary for alert system operations, law enforcement agencies across the state are provided a rapid and reliable line of communication that can connect instantaneously with thousands of Arkansans, bringing them into the search for missing children or minors,” said Commission Chairman Benafield.

             Based on an application submitted by the AHTD, the Federal Highway Administration awarded the AHTD and Arkansas State Police (ASP) a $400,000 grant to go toward improving methods of alerting motorists when a child abduction occurs.  The Arkansas Highway Commission took the action to authorize implementation of the improvements at its August 18, 2004 meeting. 

             “The additional equipment will enable the AHTD to quickly relay emergency messages via a statewide network of Highway Advisory Radio and changeable message signs along the Interstates.  It will also establish a dedicated call center, the Critical Incident Coordinating Office (CICO), at the ASP  Headquarters in Little Rock,” said Dan Flowers, Director of Highways & Transportation.  “Upon notification by the ASP of the activation of Morgan Nick Amber Alerts, the AHTD will relay information to motorists traveling our Interstates who may be able to spot missing children and their abductors,” added Flowers.  The current roadway network broadcasts on 1680 AM and includes five radio stations positioned on Interstates as motorists enter Arkansas and three on Interstates exiting the central Arkansas area.  With the equipment enhancements, the HAR network and changeable message boards will also be beneficial in relaying traffic-related emergency messages at times other than during Morgan Nick Amber Alerts.

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