Department of Emergency Management defends not sending out typical Amber Alert
Apr 14, 2022, 12:58 PM
The Amber Alert for the Idaho children was canceled after they were found safely. Photo credit: Getty Images.
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police requested help in finding three kids they think were taken by their mom to South Dakota. It issued an Amber Alert and sent out a press release Wednesday night.
But the department did not send out a notification to Utahns like a typical emergency alert.
Joe Dougherty with the Department of Emergency Management spoke to KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic about the situation.
“It just was not using that intrusive alert, because it really wasn’t going to lead to anything here in the state,” Dougherty said. “We feel like people are aware that these children are missing at this point.”
Dougherty said the department requested that South Dakota issue its own Amber Alert.
“When these people are not even known to be in Utah, I’m trying to figure out what is the best way to try and help Utahns react to this issue,” Dougherty said.
No such alert was listed on South Dakota’s Amber Alert website Wednesday afternoon.
But Brent Weisberg with Salt Lake City Police said they are working with officials in that state.
“Generally speaking, we have access to any law enforcement through our networks,” Weisberg said. “We are working with the South Dakota Public Safety. And they are able to get us in contact with other local agencies as well.”
