AOL to join Amber Alert program

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State law enforcement officials will soon have another outlet for Amber Alerts. <br><br>America Online will join the program that alerts the public to children suspected of being

Tuesday, October 1st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State law enforcement officials will soon have another outlet for Amber Alerts.

America Online will join the program that alerts the public to children suspected of being kidnapped.

A-O-L customers will be able to get Amber Alerts via e-mail, on-screen pop-up windows or pager or mobile phone messages. The customers can choose whether to receive the alerts.

Amber Alerts began in 1996 with announcements of abducted children on television and radio.

Oklahoma will use electronic road signs in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas for Amber Alerts. The alerts will also be e-mailed to businesses such as convenience stores and utility companies.

Two Amber Alerts have been issued in the state. One led to the safe recovery of two children who were victims in a carjacking, the second turned out to be a false alarm.