No updates--but much frustration, unfortunately! As is typical in Wisconsin, the state's DCI did not approve the Amber Alert in a timely manner in regard to this child. Jamal was abducted at gunpoint at around 7pm yesterday evening by an individual in a known vehicle, which they had on video--but as of 10pm when the local news was reporting on his disappearance, no statewide Amber Alert had been issued. I was watching Milwaukee's WISN (Ch. 12), and noticed they'd posted on their website that the MPD had submitted the case for approval of the Amber Alert but were waiting to hear back from DCI. When the alert was finally enacted, I did not receive the phone notification about it until well after midnight--more than 5 hours after the abduction. By that time, most people were probably in bed and weren't aware of the situation. Furthermore, the perpetrator had a huge head start and could have driven to any of the surrounding states. It is terribly frustrating for our citizens that the Amber Alert system is so slow. When a vulnerable 7-year-old is witnessed being taken at gunpoint by someone in a known vehicle in broad daylight, what more information does the DCI need in order to determine the child's life is in danger and that the assistance of the public is needed? We've had so many cases like this in recent years. Jayme Closs was another example of a bungled response to a child abduction in our state. Jayme was discovered to be missing from a home where both of her parents were found to be victims of homicide--but the Amber Alert wasn't enacted for nearly 24 hours after she'd been taken. The only way things will change is if the families of these children sue the state for neglect of duty. There should be accountability--especially if a child is found deceased, or like Jayme, held against his/her will for any length of time. To be clear, It is NOT the fault of the local police departments that this happens. Officers have also expressed frustration that the DCI's unwillingness to enact Amber Alerts as quickly as possible is making their job to serve and protect much more difficult. I sure hope this child is located and is safe, but he has already been failed, and that is heartbreaking!
www.wisn.com
