Colorado's AMBER Alert System To Be Tested Monday

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has scheduled an AMBER Alert notification test at 11 a.m. Monday, officials said.

The alert tests are disabled by default on all phones; however, those who have enabled the tests will receive the notification.

Beginning Monday, all AMBER alert notifications will include a URL, so Coloradans can access the alert bulletin, the agency said.

“One of the challenges of the [Wireless Emergency Alert] system is that it only provides for a maximum of 360 characters in the cell phone message, which dramatically limits the amount of information the CBI can offer in these time-sensitive situations,” said John Camper, director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, in a statement.

“The URL redirect to a site will further enhance our ability to share critical and helpful information in a timely manner.”

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The agency issued a reminder on the criteria that must be met before the activation of an AMBER Alert:

1. The abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger,
2. The abducted child must be in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death,
3. There must be enough descriptive information available to believe a broadcast will assist or aid in the recovery,
4. The activation must be requested by a local law enforcement agency or AMBER Designee from another state.