California law enforcement and the cellular phone industry have announced the next step in the expansion of the state's AMBER Alert system.

In 2002 the AMBER Alert Network was created to aid law enforcement in the safe return of child abduction victims.

The system includes messages that interrupt broadcast programs, roadside signs by major highways and streamlined notification of law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout.

Through a partnership with the wireless telephone industry, the California Highway Patrol announced that cellphone users can "opt in" to receive AMBER notifications via text message on their cellphones. The service is free to nearly all cellphone users in California. The instructions are also available online in Spanish for the first time.

"California's AMBER Alert Program is the role model for successful partnerships between government, law enforcement, the media and the general public," said Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Dale Bonner.

Most wireless subscribers can enroll by sending the word "AMBER" followed by a space and their 5-digit ZIP code in all text messages to 26237.