Which of the following is a criterion for initiating an Amber Alert?

Initiating an Amber Alert primarily requires confirmed abduction by law enforcement. This criterion is vital because the Amber Alert system is designed to quickly disseminate information about child abductions to the public in order to enhance the chances of recovering the child safely and swiftly. Law enforcement agencies must verify that a child has been taken unlawfully before an alert can be issued, ensuring that the system is used appropriately and efficiently to mobilize community awareness and resources.

Other criteria, such as indications of neglect or the child being missing for over 24 hours, may reflect concerning situations but do not specifically relate to the urgency associated with an abduction. Similarly, last seen with a known relative might not indicate an unlawful situation, as it could involve legitimate custody arrangements or family situations. The emphasis is on confirmed abduction to tailor the alert's response to emergencies where a child is believed to be in imminent danger.