CBI is testing its AMBER alert notification system on Wednesday, May 22

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is improving the processes and availability of information provided to the public during the activation of an AMBER Alert.

In April 2021, Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) cell phone notifications were introduced with a URL link for direct access to the AMBER Alert bulletin or a Blue Alert bulletin.

The CBI will conduct a test of the system on May 22, 2024 at 11:00 am. The alarm test feature is disabled by default on all phones; However, those who have testing alerts enabled on their device will receive this notification. Members of the public noticing the test alert on Wednesday May 22nd^nd At 11:00 you should not be alarmed and understand that no action needs to be taken.

“One of the challenges of the WEA system is that it only allows for a maximum of 360 characters in the cell phone message, which drastically limits the amount of information the CBI can offer in these time-sensitive situations,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. “URL redirection to a website will further improve our ability to share important and helpful information in a timely manner.”

The CBI Alert team no longer uses the CBI Alerts page X (Twitter) as a landing point for the link included in WEA messages. AMBER and Blue alerts will continue to be posted on forward alarm

The media will continue to receive notifications via the existing system (email and SMS). URL redirection is currently only available for AMBER and Blue alerts. All other CBI alerts (Senior, Vulnerable Missing, Medina, Developmental Disabilities, Missing Indigenous Persons) will continue to be sent via the existing email and text system and posted on the CBI’s social media pages on Facebook and X.

This test will take place just three days before National Missing Children Day on May 25, 2024.

As a reminder, the following criteria must be met before activating an AMBER alert:

1. The kidnapped child must be at least 17 years old.
2. The abducted child must be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death,
3. There must be enough descriptive information available to presume that a transfer will or will assist in recovery.
4. Activation must be requested by a local law enforcement agency or an AMBER officer from another state.

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television for over 40 years, starting as a high school student in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career included stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma and finally Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community as he is a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club, currently serves on the board of the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They raised three children and two grandchildren.

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