The CNMI can request technical assistance and participate in any available training, he told Rep. Teresita A. Santos in a letter.
Santos, Ind.-Rota, pre-filed a resolution encouraging Sablan to include the CNMI in America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response, or the Amber Alert Program, which aims to improve law enforcement response to cases involving missing, endangered and abducted children.
In his letter to Santos, Sablan said U.S. Public Law 108-21, which created the national program, allows the creation of local system in each state or territory.
He said there are 53 jurisdictions that have established the system, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“The commonwealth government is free to tailor its plan to local circumstances to ensure the most effective communication about abductions in our islands,” he added
Sablan provided Santos with a package of information so her office contact the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the program and take advantage of the various forms of technical assistance and training that the CNMI is eligible.
In an email interview, Santos said: “Our U.S. delegate has graciously provided me with a binder of the Amber Alert Program which contains invaluable information and an 11-step plan that provides an easy, streamlined approach to creating a commonwealth Amber Alert plan,” she said.
“I will be meeting with the commissioner of Public Safety in the very near future to turn over the binder. Either way, we will achieve our intended goal of establishing or strengthening an amber alert system in the commonwealth to respond to the abduction of children and aid in their safe return.”
