As soon as an abduction is reported and the investigation reveals the following:
- The law enforcement agency believes that the child has been abducted (taken from
their environment unlawfully, without authority of law, and without permission from
the child's parent or legal guardian).
- The child is 17 years old or younger, and the law enforcement agency believes the
child is in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death; or if the individual
is 18 years old or older, and the law enforcement agency believes the individual
is at greater risk for immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death because
the individual possesses a proven physical or mental disability.
- All other possibilities for the victim's disappearance have been reasonably excluded.
- There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could
assist in locating the victim, suspect, or vehicle used in the abduction.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT send an AMBER Alert if you respond NO to ANY of these statements.
How to Activate the South Carolina AMBER Alert:
- Each law enforcement agency will designate two to three ranking officers who will
have the sole authority to evaluate the investigating officer's report regarding
the abduction.
- When the chief, sheriff, or designee of each department determines that the case
meets the criteria for activation of the South Carolina AMBER Alert plan, they then
call SLED Headquarters/Chief Robert Stewart at the South Carolina Clearinghouse
at (800) 322-4453 and report the abduction (only AMBER Alert designated officers
may activate the plan).
- The chief, sheriff, or designee then must fax the completed South Carolina AMBER
Alert Notification Form and a photograph of the victim to (803) 896-7041 (see
forms).