Deep East Texas Regional Amber Alert Program - July 15, 2008
Submitted by Melissa Russell, Deep East Texas Regional Amber Alert Plan-Coordinator

On August 1st, The Deep East Texas Regional Amber Alert (DETRAA) program will become operational. The DETRAA plan is a voluntary partnership between local law-enforcement agencies and local broadcasters to send out an emergency alert to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed the child’s life is in grave danger. Under this plan local radio and television stations initially interrupt broadcasting and air the abducted child’s information along with any suspect information using the Emergency Alert Service (EAS).

A test of the system will be conducted at noon on August 1st. Citizens will hear the Amber Alert followed by the EAS emergency message advising it is only a test. During an actual AMBER Alert, the Amber Alert tones will be followed with the child’s/suspect description and when available a vehicle description.

Citizens will also be notified through flyers, electronic billboards, email, text messages and other means.

Citizens can sign up to receive free Amber Alert text messages on their cell phones or pagers by going to www.wirelessamberalerts.org

Businesses can sign up to receive Amber Alert faxes by going to www.beyondmissing.com

The Deep East Texas Regional Amber Alert Plan comprises of 8 counties and local broadcasters including:

Law Enforcement: Sabine County, Shelby County, San Augustine County, Nacogdoches County, Angelina County, Polk County, Trinity County and Houston County

Media and Broadcasters: KTRE Channel 9, Sudden Link Cable, SFAU Radio 90.1, KYKS 105.1 FM, KJCS 103.3 FM, KFOX 95.5 FM, KTBQ 107.7 FM, KSFA 860 AM, KVLL 94.7 FM

For more information, please contact your local law enforcement agency.