OLYMPIA - Every year children and adults are forcibly abducted or become missing for a variety of reasons.

In the latest edition of the Washington State Patrol "Good to Know" series, Trooper Guy Gill explains the two systems - AMBER Alert and Endangered or Missing Person Advisory (EMPA) - to aid in recovery.

"These situations make the family and friends feel helpless creating an unbelievable amount of stress," Gill said. "Rapid notification to a large number of people is important for a safe recovery."

Both alert systems are designed to form a partnership between law enforcement and the public. The goal is to quickly find loved ones who have been abducted or gone missing.

"Your decision to receive these alerts could make all the difference in the world to a grieving family," Gill said. "If it was your loved one, how many sets of eyes would you want searching?"

- Staff report