Legal Definitions - Morgan Nick Alert

A Morgan Nick Alert is the name given in Arkansas to the AMBER Alert system, a critical public notification system designed to rapidly disseminate information about abducted children. It is activated when law enforcement believes a child has been abducted and is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, and there is sufficient descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle to make a public alert effective. The system leverages various communication channels, including radio, television, highway message signs, and mobile device alerts, to quickly inform the public and solicit their help in locating the child and apprehending the abductor. The alert is named in memory of Morgan Nick, a six-year-old girl who was abducted from a park in Alma, Arkansas, in 1995.

• Example 1: A nine-year-old boy is playing in his front yard in Jonesboro, Arkansas, when a stranger in a dark sedan pulls up, forces him into the car, and drives away. A neighbor witnesses the event and immediately calls 911, providing a description of the car and the suspect.

  Explanation: Given the immediate threat to the child's safety and the clear evidence of abduction, law enforcement would activate a Morgan Nick Alert. This would broadcast the boy's description, the suspect's details, and the vehicle information across Arkansas, appearing on digital billboards, local news channels, and mobile phones, urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings.

• Example 2: A fourteen-year-old girl with a severe peanut allergy is reported missing from her home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Her parents find a note indicating she was taken against her will by an individual known to have a history of violence, and they are concerned about her medical vulnerability.

  Explanation: Due to the girl's abduction by a dangerous individual and her life-threatening allergy, a Morgan Nick Alert would be issued. The alert would include her photo, a description of her abductor, and crucial information about her medical condition, emphasizing the urgency of finding her quickly to ensure she receives necessary care and is protected from harm.

• Example 3: During a family vacation at a state park near Mountain View, Arkansas, a five-year-old boy with Down syndrome wanders away from his campsite. His parents search frantically but cannot find him. While there's no immediate evidence of abduction, the child's developmental disability makes him highly vulnerable and unable to care for himself or communicate his needs effectively.

  Explanation: Although not a confirmed abduction, the boy's extreme vulnerability and the potential for serious harm due to his special needs would warrant the activation of a Morgan Nick Alert. The alert would provide his photo, description, and details about his condition, mobilizing park visitors, local residents, and the broader community to assist in the search and safely locate the child before he encounters danger.