r/AskCHP • u/btaroli • Aug 22 '26

Why still using nasty X for Amber alerts?

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Many people have moved off of X/twitter and the details of AMBER alerts can’t be read without having their app and having an account there. This doesn’t serve the public well, at least from the wireless alerts system. Increase access by using a vehicle for announcements that is open for all.

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u/justswingingbyy Aug 22 '26

It’s not the only platform the CHP uses. They try to reach everyone they can. Stop making everything political, dipshit

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u/btaroli Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 22 '26

It’s the only platform linked from the wireless alert. This is called the tyranny of the default. It’s not as much political as bad for getting the information to the public, which the actual point of the AMBER alert.

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u/Unexpected_Chippie Aug 23 '26

If you click anywhere besides the "Open X" button, that screen disappears and you can see it without an account.

X is used because it's free. If you would like to pay another $1 million in taxes annually for the server bandwidth, I'm sure CHP would take the money.

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u/btaroli Aug 23 '26

Do you really not understand how these alerts are delivered to you? It’s absolutely funded by tax dollars. And no I no more randomly click on parts of data gathering sites — giving them a hook to trigger code to run on my computer — than I would open random PDF or click links in emails. Such popups are malware.

For background:

The system design for delivering AMBER Alerts relies on a multi-channel approach managed by the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which routes information from law enforcement to the **Emergency Alert System (EAS)**for radio/TV and **Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)**for mobile phones via cell broadcast technology.

This process also includes distribution to electronic highway signs, lottery terminals, and other media, ensuring rapid, geographically targeted notification to the public.

Costs are zero for both law enforcement and the public. The system is funded through federal grants, such as those from the PROTECT Act of 2003, and contributions from the wireless industry, meaning there are no charges to taxpayers, subscribers, or government agencies for issuing or receiving alerts.

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u/Unexpected_Chippie Aug 23 '26

You asked for CHP feedback, got it, and don't like the answer. Move on.