A Child Rescue Alert scheme designed to galvanise an immediate community response when a child has been abducted has been launched across the UK.
Based on the high-profile Amber alert network which has been in use in America since 1997, the scheme allows details of a child, offender or vehicle to be instantly publicised via roadside signs and the print, TV and radio media.
“These are very fast-moving inquiries and only when we have very clear information that we can give to the public will we consider instigating an alert,” said Tayside Detective Inspector Alistair Black.
“That might be if we have a specific number plate, make and type of vehicle or if it is a known parent or sex offender.
“If the information relayed to the public is not specific enough it could undermine the credibility of the system.”
He added, “This is not something that will be used for normal missing persons enquiries. It would only be where a child has been abducted.
“The possibility of an alert being instigated in Tayside, I would hope, is very low. However, we can never be complacent.
“I am confident that, should such an incident occur, through routine police inquiries and with the support and assistance of the public and press, that a successful outcome will be achieved.”
The American system was named after nine-year-old Amber Hangerman, who was abducted, raped and murdered in January 1996.
She was found dead four days after she went missing, and it was discovered that local authorities had information that might have helped find her but had no means to distribute this information quickly.
The Amber Alert system in the US and Canada, as well as other countries, has since helped rescue almost 400 at-risk children.
In the UK, the Child Rescue Alert system was initially launched by Sussex Police in 2002.
The UK national launch on Tuesday coincided with International Missing Children’s Day.