AMBER Alert 911 Web Portal receives national information technology achievement awardDecember 2005

AMBER Alert 911 Web Portal receives national information technology achievement award

The National Association of Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) honored DIS and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) on October 20 for the Innovative Use of Technology during its 2005 Recognition Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Technology.

NASCIO recognized DIS and the WSP for their leadership and work on the AMBER Alert 911 Web Portal (http://www.amberalert911.com). The portal allows local law enforcement to simultaneously distribute real-time information about an abducted child to thousands of sources including other law enforcement organizations, the media, the public, transportation officials for electronic highway signs, lottery officials and many others. Through a simple sign-up process, thousands of people can receive information about an abduction via pagers, cell phones and e-mail accounts. This notification - direct from law enforcement officials - provides subscribers with the information needed to identify the suspect, thus helping law enforcement apprehend the suspect and save the child's life.

"When a child is abducted, time is of the essence," explained WSP Chief John Batiste. "The AMBER Alert 911 Web Portal offers an unprecedented opportunity to help save children's lives by getting vital information out quickly and effectively at a time when every minute counts."

A consortium of private organizations fund the ongoing operational costs for the AMBER Alert 911 Web Portal, making it available to government, the media and the public at no cost.

"Amber Alert 911 Portal subscribers can now be the eyes and ears to help law enforcement find abducted children," said Gary Robinson, DIS Director. "This public/private partnership is proof of how cooperative efforts can create effective solutions that improve government services."

NASCIO gives the annual award to state IT programs and systems that create proven, cost effective, innovative solutions in the operation of state government.