For Immediate Release: March 2, 2004
Joe Brucia and CodeAmber.org Partner to Change Probation Laws
MEDIA CONTACTS: Linda Spagnoli (CodeAmber)772.971.4816

Joe Brucia and CodeAmber.org Partner to Change Probation Laws
Code Amber Offers Carlie's Dad the Power Behind Its Network

Mandeville, LA - Joseph Brucia, father of 11 year old Carlie Brucia who was abducted and murdered in Sarasota, FL last month, has teamed up with CodeAmber.org. to enact legislation requiring tougher guidelines for probation and parole of career criminals.

The suspect in Carlie's case, Joseph P. Smith, had served only 13 months of a possible 43 years for prior convictions; and was out on parole when he was arrested and charged with her kidnapping and murder.

In a statement released by Brucia today, he said, "Code Amber already has the infrastructure in place to help me make this happen. They have offered me all of their networking ability to reach the people who want to keep career criminals off the street… and we will need everyone's cooperation to make this legislation a reality."

Code Amber's president and founder, Bryant Harper welcomes the opportunity to keep Carlie's legacy in the public eye. "We did not have to lose this beautiful child. She belongs to all of us now, and we have the responsibility as parents and law enforcement officials to join forces, reach our legislators and keep the criminals away from our kids."

Code Amber's system is indeed vast. The Code Amber ticker reaches over one million viewers a day, and is connected to every major media organization in the country. When an Amber Alert is issued by any law enforcement agency in the US or Canada, Code Amber immediately activates Java script and XML feed containing the description and photo of the child and suspect. Within minutes, every media outlet in surrounding states is notified.

Code Amber's Director of Communications, Linda Spagnoli, met with Brucia in New York yesterday. "I was very impressed with his ability to express his goals. He is focused on the future and completely understands his opportunity to make sweeping changes in the parole and probation process. We stand ready to help him."

Code Amber will post information about the pending legislation, and keep the public updated on its progress. There will be ways to contact legislators, and sample letters will be available. Code Amber will also be visiting with legislators in Washington and their home states to make the message clear.

Code Amber recently accepted a donation from Rent-A-Center, Inc. enabling every Sheriff's Office in Florida to receive a copy of the Kids Safety Net Video: No Easy Targets. The program provides children and parents an opportunity to discuss abduction prevention techniques. They requested the program in Carlie's memory, and that is now a reality.

About CodeAmber:

CodeAmber.org is the largest provider of Amber Alert broadcasting on the Internet. Started in 2002, Code Amber now reaches over 120,000 websites and displays over one million news tickers daily. Code Amber delivers XML feed to major media, government and wireless telephone services. Based in Mandeville, LA, Code Amber last year expanded, and now reaches all 50 states as well as Canada. Code Amber works directly with law enforcement and media, and delivers descriptions and photographs to news desks within minutes after an Amber Alert is issued. Web site is www.codeamber.org. CodeAmber also produces safety programs presented to schools and community groups.