State testing AMBER Alert Friday

Press release

When a child is abducted under life-threatening circumstances, seconds count. An AMBER Alert can be issued to alert the public to assist law enforcement in searching for and saving the child. This year, Montana is recognizing its 20th anniversary of Montana’s AMBER Alert program. Updating statistics through 2022, Montana has launched 54 AMBER Alerts and, fortunately, all 76 children have been located.

The state wants to make sure Montana’s AMBER Alert system works well when it is needed, so Friday, Jan. 13, at approximately 10 a.m., a live statewide test of Montana’s AMBER Alert system will be conducted.

During the test, a message will be broadcast on cellphones, Montana Broadcasting TV and radio stations, the National Weather Service Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather radio, the Montana Lottery and the Montana Department of Transportation 511 information line.

Action by the public during the test is not required. However, people can notify the state if they did or did not get the alert at the website https://dojmt.gov/ambertest .