x
Breaking News
More () »

A look at Michigan Amber Alert usage on National Missing Children's Day

Every single week at least a thousand children go missing in Michigan, but most of these instances do not require an Amber Alert. However, these children are still at risk.

There has only been one Amber Alert sent in Michigan during 2018.

Starting in 2017, Michigan State Police changed the criteria for Amber Alerts in an effort to encourage people to take action when an alert is sent. The amount of alerts sent dropped from 15 in 2016 to just four in 2017.

MSP Sergeant Detective Sarah Krebs, the state coordinator for Amber Alerts, said every single week 1,000 children go missing in Michigan. But many of these missing children wander away or leave voluntarily, which does not fit the criteria for an Amber Alert.

Thankfully, social media has played a key role in filling in the gaps. MSP also created the Endangered Missing Persons Advisory, which is a step down from Amber Alert and can be used for people of any age. Krebs said police have seen great success using the advisory.

To see a list of missing children in Michigan, click here.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Emma Nicolas is a multimedia journalist. Have a news tip or question for Emma? Get in touch by email enicolas@wzzm13.com, Facebook or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out