New Jersey § 52:17b-194
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-194, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52:17b-194.
a. The Attorney General shall establish “Amber's Plan,” a program authorizing the
broadcast media, upon notice from the State Police, to transmit an emergency alert
to inform the public of a child abduction. The program shall be a voluntary, cooperative effort between State and local law
enforcement agencies and the broadcast media. b. The Attorney General shall notify the broadcast media serving the State of New
Jersey of the establishment of “Amber's Plan” and invite their voluntary participation. c. The following criteria shall be met before the State Police activate the Amber
Alert: (1) The child is believed to be abducted; (2) The child is 17 years of age or younger; (3) The child may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury; and (4) There is sufficient information available to indicate that an “Amber Alert” would
assist in locating the child. d. The participating media shall voluntarily agree, upon notice from the State Police,
to transmit emergency alerts to inform the public of a child abduction that has occurred
within their broadcast service regions. The notice shall be provided through the State Police operational dispatch unit. The alerts shall be read after a distinctive sound tone and the statement: “This
is an Amber Abducted Child Alert.” The alerts shall be broadcast as often as possible, pursuant to the guidelines established
by the New Jersey Broadcasters' Association, for the first three hours. After the initial three hours, the alert shall be rebroadcast at such intervals
as the investigating authority, the State Police , and the participating media deem appropriate. The alerts shall include a description of the child, such details of the abduction
and abductor as may be known, and such other information as the State Police may deem
pertinent and appropriate. The State Police shall in a timely manner update the broadcast media with new information
when appropriate concerning the abduction. The alerts also shall provide information concerning how those members of the public
who have information relating to the abduction may contact the State Police or other
appropriate law enforcement agency. Concurrent with the notice provided to the broadcast media, the State Police operational
dispatch unit shall also notify the Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Turnpike
Authority , and the South Jersey Transportation Authority of the “Amber Alert.” Through the use of their variable message signs, the department and the affected authorities
shall inform the motoring public that an “Amber Alert” is in progress and provide
information relating to the abduction and how motorists may report any information
they have to the State Police or other appropriate law enforcement agency. e. The alerts shall terminate upon notice from the State Police. f. (1) The Attorney General, with the assistance of the participating broadcast media, shall
develop and undertake a public education campaign to inform the public about “Amber's
Plan” and the emergency alert program established under P.L.2002, c. 129 ( C.52:17B-194.1 et seq. ). (2) The Attorney General, in consultation with the State Police, shall develop and
establish a plan to disseminate “Amber Alert” information through social media accounts
maintained by the State Police. The emergency alert information required to be disseminated shall include, but not
be limited to, a description of the missing child, any known details of the abduction
and abductor, and a recognizable photograph of the missing child. The Office of the Governor, the Department of Children and Families, the Department
of Health, and the Department of Human Services shall, and any other appropriate State,
county, or municipal entity may, disseminate “Amber Alert” information made available
by the State Police on their respective social media accounts . g. The Attorney General may adopt guidelines to effectuate the purposes of P.L.2002, c. 129 ( C.52:17B-194.1 et seq. ) .
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 52:17b-194
What does New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-194 cover?
Section 52:17b-194 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 52:17b-194?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-194" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 52:17b-194 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.