Re: Broadcast bulletins to alert Mainers to child abductions

[Jeremy Mixer <mixer@zoso.net>]

On Thu, 22 Aug 2002, SteveOrdinetz wrote:

> The biggest problem I see with this system is that you absolutely,
> positively need accurate information.  What if a wrong license plate #
> and/or vehicle description is aired?  Innocent people being harassed and
> detained while the perp gets away.  How do you use it in the case of the
> Staunton, Va. murder/abduction?  There were no known witnesses, and the
> authorities were clueless as to motive/suspects.  I understand the law
> enforcement authorities were badmouthing the whole AMBER system because it
> didn't produce any leads...well, duh!  While the idea has possibilities,
> right now it has ample opportunity for abuse---too many false alerts and
> the old "boy who cried wolf" syndrome sets in.   How many people pay
> attention to EAS tests?  While not as intrusive as the old EBS, there are
> still too many unintelligible weather warnings and RMTs.

Hi Steve-

That last pouint is one thing I actually meant to point out in that long
post I posted. Last night I was still at WKIT and a planned EAS test came
through at about 12:30, and the announcer stating that it was just an test
was barely audible when the radio was turned to full volume....I don;t
think that the system is useful unless people can actually hear the alert
being sent!

Jeremy