Which statement correctly describes Amber alert criteria?

• A. There must be no descriptive information for the alert.
• B. The child must be 18 or older.
• C. There must be enough descriptive information about the child and no information about suspects.
• D. There must be enough descriptive information about the child, the suspect(s), and/or suspect vehicle(s) to believe an immediate broadcast will help locate the child.

Answer: (D)

Amber alerts are issued when there is credible, time-sensitive information that could help locate a child in danger. The key requirement is having enough descriptive information about the child and about the suspect and/or suspect vehicle to justify an immediate broadcast to aid in locating the child. That makes the statement correct because it covers all the essential elements needed to trigger an alert and to help the public assist in the search.

The other options miss important aspects. Descriptive information is essential, not absent. Amber alerts are for missing children under 18, not 18 or older. And while the description may focus on the child, it can also include information about the suspect and/or suspect vehicle, which is often critical to a rapid recovery.