WPRI/SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — After a missing 4-year-old daughter was found safe, an Amber Alert that had been issued late Thursday morning was promptly canceled.
Amber Alert Updated By Massachusetts Police
Cortana Goncalves and her mother, 32-year-old Brandee Arnold, were found in Cheshire, according to the Massachusetts State Police. The girl suffered no harm.
After Arnold allegedly abducted her daughter from a family party in Springfield, the notice was sent out.
According to the authorities, Arnold is Goncalves’ biological mother; however, she does not have custody of the 4-year-old.
According to the police, Goncalves’ well-being was a concern because Arnold had previously made some unsettling comments.
Here is what the state police response was on Twitter: Cortana Goncalves has been located; she is safe. She was found in Cheshire, Mass. More details to follow. Thank you to all who shared the initial tweet.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
Jeremiah 17:7-8
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Amber Alerts Save Lives
Amber Alerts are implemented to quickly disseminate information about abducted children to the public in an effort to aid in their safe recovery. Here are several reasons why Amber Alerts are crucial:
- Rapid Response: Time is of the essence in cases of child abduction. The primary goal of an Amber Alert is to trigger an immediate and widespread response from the public to help locate the abducted child. By rapidly broadcasting essential information, such as a description of the child, the suspect, and the suspect’s vehicle, Amber Alerts mobilize communities to keep an eye out for the child and increase the likelihood of their safe recovery.
- Public Awareness and Engagement: Amber Alerts utilize various channels, including radio, television, highway signs, social media, and mobile devices, to reach a broad audience within a short period. By engaging the public, Amber Alerts create a network of vigilant eyes and ears across different communities, increasing the chances of spotting the abducted child or the suspect’s vehicle.
- Timely Information Dissemination: Amber Alerts provide critical details about an abduction incident promptly. This includes information that could help identify the child, the suspect, or any other pertinent information related to the case. By quickly sharing this information with the public, law enforcement agencies leverage the collective power of communities to aid in the search and recovery efforts.
- Increased Likelihood of Abductor Apprehension: Amber Alerts not only aim to locate the abducted child but also help law enforcement in apprehending the abductor. By disseminating information about the suspect, their vehicle, and other relevant details, Amber Alerts enable the public to be vigilant and report any sightings or information that could lead to the arrest of the abductor.
- Successful Track Record: Amber Alerts have a proven track record of success. Numerous cases have demonstrated that the timely dissemination of information through Amber Alerts has directly contributed to the safe recovery of abducted children. The public’s involvement, coupled with law enforcement efforts, has been instrumental in locating missing children and bringing them back to safety.
- Deterrence Effect: The existence of the Amber Alert system itself acts as a deterrent to potential abductors. Knowing that a wide-scale alert will be activated and the public will be actively engaged in the search can discourage individuals from attempting child abductions or encourage them to release the child in response to the intensified public scrutiny.
Amber Alerts serve as a critical tool in child abduction cases, utilizing public engagement, rapid dissemination of information, and collaboration between law enforcement and communities to increase the likelihood of locating and safely recovering abducted children.
Why The Amber Alert Sound
The distinctive sound used for Amber Alerts is designed to grab attention and alert people to an urgent situation. While some may find the sound annoying or disruptive, it serves a purpose in ensuring that the alert cuts through background noise and captures immediate attention. Here are a few reasons why the Amber Alert sound is used:
- Maximizing Awareness: The primary objective of an Amber Alert is to quickly disseminate crucial information about a child’s abduction to as many people as possible. By utilizing a loud and attention-grabbing sound, the alert seeks to ensure that people notice and pay attention to the information being shared, even if they are engaged in other activities or surrounded by noise.
- Differentiating from Regular Notifications: The distinctive sound used for Amber Alerts helps distinguish them from other types of notifications or alerts, such as text messages or emergency alerts. This differentiation ensures that people can quickly identify an Amber Alert and understand its urgency.
- Triggering an Emotional Response: The purpose of the sound is to elicit an emotional response and encourage immediate action from the public. By using a sound that is attention-grabbing and somewhat intrusive, the intention is to create a sense of urgency and mobilize individuals to actively engage in the search for the abducted child.
- Enhancing Recall and Recognition: The repetitive nature of the sound is designed to aid in recall and recognition. When people hear the distinctive sound associated with an Amber Alert, they are more likely to remember it and associate it with the urgency of a missing child situation. This can help in generating timely reports and tips from the public.
While the sound used for Amber Alerts may be considered bothersome by some individuals, it is crucial to remember that its purpose is to save lives and facilitate the safe recovery of abducted children. The intention is to ensure that the alert reaches as many people as possible and compels them to take immediate action, increasing the chances of finding the missing child quickly.
Where Can I Sign Up For Amber Alert
As an individual, you cannot directly sign up for Amber Alerts. Amber Alerts are automatically sent to a wide range of communication channels, including mobile devices, radio stations, television networks, highway signs, and social media platforms. The alerts are typically issued by law enforcement agencies in collaboration with broadcasters and other organizations responsible for distributing emergency alerts.
To receive Amber Alerts, you need to ensure that your mobile device is capable of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) and that you have not opted out of receiving such alerts. Most modern smartphones are equipped to receive these alerts by default unless the user has manually disabled them in their device settings.
Here are some general steps you can take to ensure you receive Amber Alerts:
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): On your mobile device, navigate to the settings menu and look for the “Emergency Alerts” or “Government Alerts” section. Ensure that the option to receive Amber Alerts or Emergency Alerts is enabled. The specific steps may vary depending on your device’s make and model.
- Keep your device updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and firmware to ensure that you have the latest features and enhancements related to emergency alerts, including Amber Alerts.
- Check with your mobile service provider: If you are unsure whether your device is capable of receiving Amber Alerts, or if you have encountered any issues, contact your mobile service provider. They can provide information and assistance regarding emergency alert settings on your specific device.
- Follow local news sources and social media accounts: Stay connected with local news outlets, law enforcement agencies, and official government social media accounts. They often share information about Amber Alerts, including details about the missing child and any relevant updates.
Remember that the availability and implementation of Amber Alerts may vary by country and region. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the emergency alert systems and procedures specific to your location to ensure you are informed and prepared in case of an Amber Alert in your area.