Two children in Nova Scotia are missing. Why wasn’t an Amber Alert sent out

Pictou County District RCMP are asking the public for help finding Lily Sullivan, age 6, left, and Jack Sullivan, age 4. The two children were last seen Friday morning in Lansdowne Station, Pictou County.Pictou County District RCMP are asking the public for help finding Lily Sullivan, age 6, left, and Jack Sullivan, age 4. The two children were last seen Friday morning in Lansdowne Station, Pictou County. Photo by RCMP

The search for two children missing in Pictou County entered a fifth day Tuesday.

Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were reported missing from their home on the Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station at 10 a.m. on Friday.

“It’s believed they wandered away from a home on the Gairloch Road. There continues to be no evidence to suggest that the children were abducted,” read a statement from the RCMP on Saturday.

As the search continues, here is some information on the various alerts that can be sent to help find missing people.

What alerts have been sent out?

When the children were reported missing, a vulnerable missing persons alert was issued in Pictou County. As the children had not yet been located, a broadcast intrusive alert was issued Saturday at 5:27 p.m. to Antigonish, Colchester and Pictou counties.Why wasn’t an Amber Alert sent out?

The mother of the missing children, Malehya Brooks-Murray, asked for an Amber Alert in a social media post. “I want an Amber Alert for my children! I want my babies home,” said Brooks-Murray in the post. In an RCMP statement, they said there wasn’t an Amber Alert because they believe the children wandered off and weren’t abducted.

Who is considered a vulnerable missing person?

A vulnerable person often relies on others for care, support or financial assistance. This dependence can stem from various factors, including age (children, elderly), physical or mental disabilities, or other conditions.

What is a broadcast intrusive alert?

A broadcast intrusive (BI) alert system is a component of Canada’s emergency communication infrastructure designed to reach the public instantly and indiscriminately in times of crisis.

How is a BI report disseminated?

BI alert systems leverage several communication channels:

Radio and television broadcasts (Emergency alerts interrupt programming to deliver urgent warnings. This ensures that listeners and viewers receive the alert in real time.)
Digital displays (Road signs, transit screens and other electronic displays can be used to warn motorists and pedestrians of imminent threats.)
Wireless alerts (Mobile phones receive emergency alerts, allowing people on the move to stay informed.)

What is an Amber Alert?

The Amber Alert system provides the public with immediate and up-to-date information about a child abduction via widespread broadcasts on television, radio and wireless devices, and solicits the public’s assistance with the safe and swift return of an abducted child.

How is an Amber Alert initiated?

In Canada, only law enforcement can issue an Amber Alert. They are sent out through the Alert Ready emergency alert system, reaching Canadians through several mediums (cellphone, television, radio).

What are the criteria for an Amber Alert?

Two Missing Children in Nova Scotia Update | Lily and Jack Sullivan - YouTube

The child is under the age of 18
A belief that the child has been abducted
A belief that the child is in grave danger
Information is available that may help locate the child and/or the abductor (description of the child, the suspect or the vehicle driven by the abductor)
The alert should be issued within a reasonable amount of time from the moment of the abduction.

How can I help?

Public participation is critical to the location of missing children. Sign up for MissingKidsALERT to ensure you stay connected and informed. You will be notified when a child is missing in your area and you’ll have accurate and current information about the situation.

How many people are searching for the children?

Over 100 searchers combed the surrounding forest Saturday and Sunday, with helicopters and drones working in the air. The RCMP has requested that people stay away from the area to avoid interfering with search crews. Ground search and rescue teams and air services from the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and the Department of Natural Resources are contributing assets.

What should I do if I have information?

You should contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure tip at crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app.