AG Wants to Know Why Amber Alert Malfunction

Wichita, KS 9westernkansasnews.com) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has ordered a review of the state’s Amber Alert system after a recent warning failed to summon cellphone users in the Wichita area. Schmidt has asked KBI Director Kirk Thompson to conduct a complete review of the program and report not later than January 31, 2017, on steps that will be taken to ensure the reliability of future Amber Alerts.

In the Wichita situation three children and a mother were reported abducted from their home. Soon after the abduction was reported, in the middle of the night, an Amber Alert was issued. But one method of broadcasting the Amber Alert – by special signal that activates individuals’ cellphones – failed to activate.