Blue Alert system to warn public about at-large suspects who have killed or injured law enforcement officers

Published 2:54 pm Thursday, March 15, 2012

Washington will become the eighth state to implement a Blue Alert system to alert the public of incidents where a law enforcement officer has been killed or seriously injured by someone and the suspect remains at large.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the legislation Thursday.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn said the Blue Alert system for law enforcement is a culmination of an effort to protect those men and women who protect the public.

“This is a great day for Washington’s law enforcement community, and recognition of the unique role public safety officers have in our society,” said Dunn in a media release. “These are men and women who leave home every day knowing they might not be coming back. Any system that helps make the public aware of attacks on law enforcement is a step towards protecting them and assisting in apprehending those responsible.”

Gregoire’s signature of House Bill 1820 makes Washington one of eight states that have a system similar to the AMBER alert system that is in place to notify the public about incidents involving children.

Blue Alerts will use media resources to inform the public about crucial information regarding suspects who have seriously injured or killed law enforcement officers.