Which of the following is not a criterion for initiating an AMBER alert?

The correct answer identifies that a situation where a child has been missing for over 24 hours is not a criterion for initiating an AMBER alert. AMBER alerts are specifically designed for situations involving child abductions where there is an immediate threat to the child’s safety. The key criteria for initiating an AMBER alert include that the child is under 18 years old, there is credible evidence that an abduction has occurred, credible risk of serious harm to the child, and sufficient information about the child, the abductor, or a vehicle involved in the abduction to issue an alert to the public.

The urgency of AMBER alerts is crucial in the initial stages of a child abduction, which is why the criteria do not stipulate a waiting period of 24 hours. The aim is to mobilize the public's help as quickly as possible to locate the child before potential harm occurs. Therefore, any belief that a 24-hour waiting period is necessary does not align with the purpose of AMBER alerts, which emphasize immediate action.