About America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK is in its 22nd season and one of network television's longest-running series. Lauded by law enforcement organizations nationwide and internationally, this hour hosted by John Walsh has changed the lives of thousands of crime victims -- and has put hundreds of perpetrators behind bars. The show is a powerful voice for crime victims everywhere.

Among its many accomplishments, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED has helped capture more than 1000 criminals, including 17 on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. The series has also reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh's proudest achievement.

In 2003, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED and John Walsh made national headlines for their determined efforts leading to the recovery of kidnapped teen Elizabeth Smart. Later that year, Walsh joined President George W. Bush in a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House as the PROTECT Act of 2003, which expanded the use of Amber Alerts, was signed into law.

AMW again broadcast from the White House on July 29, 2006, two days after another Rose Garden ceremony at which President Bush signed into law the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The result of years of lobbying by Walsh and others, the new law -- signed on the 25th anniversary of the abduction and murder of Walsh's 6-year-old son, Adam -- expands the National Sex Offender Registry and strengthens federal penalties for crimes against children.

Walsh has received many awards and commendations for his efforts on behalf of the nation's children, including the Man of the Year Award from the U.S. Marshals Service, which made him an honorary U.S. Marshal in 2003.

Walsh was named Father of the Year by the Center for Criminal Justice Studies and "A Young American Who is Changing America" by Esquire magazine. He also has received the National PTA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED originally premiered in 1988 and was renamed AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK in 1996. Since then, the program's mission has expanded. The series targets dangerous fugitives and, with the help of viewers, starts a relentless pursuit. Regular updates are provided until the featured criminals are caught.

Viewers can report tips by calling 1-800-CRIME-TV, or by completing the Online Tip Form available on the AMW website. An active voice for victims' rights, Walsh co-founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 1984.

Lance Heflin is executive producer of AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK for STF Productions, Inc.