Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Government launches new Facebook alert system for child abductions

Staff WriterMandurah Coastal Times

THE State Government has announced the introduction of a new Facebook system to assist in locating abducted children.

The Facebook AMBER Alert system is being rolled out nationally, and enables WA Police to issue an immediate, 24-hour alert on Facebook to people in the area where the abduction occurred.

Key information about the missing child will appear as the second post in the news feed section of all Facebook users within a 160km radius.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Details including a photograph, name, description and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance are posted.

The system began in the USA, and a similar system has been used in Queensland.

“The first hours after a child abduction are crucial and one of the most valuable things police can do is get information out to the public quickly,” Police Minister Michelle Roberts said.

“Thankfully child abduction in Western Australia is rare, but this gives police a critical platform to reach masses of people in the immediate hours after a child’s disappearance.

“Anything which can give police the best chance of safely recovering and returning a child to their family is strongly supported by the McGowan Labor Government.”

MORE: Yanchep man riding waves again with custom-made surfboard

MORE: Water Corp using dogs to sniff out leaks

MORE: Councillors against putting Quarry Amphitheatre on State Register of Heritage Places