Search for missing Calgary boy prompts concerns over when Amber Alerts are issued

An intensive search is underway for an 11-year-old Calgary boy named Parker, who is non-verbal and has been missing since Thursday, July 16. More than 300 police officers, 120 search and rescue members, and numerous volunteers are involved in the search.

An Amber Alert was issued for Parker two days after his disappearance. While his case did not initially meet the legal criteria for an Amber Alert, the Alberta government granted an exemption due to the unique circumstances of the investigation. Police noted that Parker is neurodivergent and may become frightened if approached by strangers.

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If we could have got an Amber Alert right away, more people would have known. The traffic going back and forth by the highway, I think it would have helped a lot.

The delay in issuing the alert has drawn attention and renewed calls for reform of the Amber Alert system. Tina Heron, whose 6-year-old grandson Darius MacDougall went missing last September, expressed frustration that no Amber Alert was issued in her grandson's case, despite an 11-day search. "If we could have got an Amber Alert right away, more people would have known," Heron stated.

Family and friends of Darius MacDougall have been advocating for changes to Canada's Amber Alert system, seeking to give police more discretion in issuing alerts. While criteria vary by province, police generally need "reasonable grounds" to believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger. Ronald de Gagne, a friend of the MacDougall family, is collecting signatures for a petition calling for legislative action to address what he calls a "serious gap" in the system.

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We’re looking for legislative action. You know, we have a serious gap in our Amber Alert system.