Bolinsky Supports Blue Alert System

HARTFORD- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) supported and co-sponsored a measure in the House of Representatives today to alert the public when a law enforcement officer has been killed, injured or missing and when law enforcement agencies are searching for suspect who is considered an imminent threat.

The proposed law, (HB 6007) An Act Concerning Blue Alerts, would create a system to be activated for alerting the public and seeking its assistance in apprehending suspects when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured, killed or is missing.

The state may activate the Blue Alert system only if it determines, after consulting with the law enforcement agency requesting activation, that:

1. a peace officer (a) was assaulted and killed by someone or suffered serious physical injury or was assaulted with a deadly weapon by a suspect who has not been apprehended and poses an imminent threat to the public or other peace officers or (b) is missing while performing his or her duties under circumstances warranting concern for his or her safety;

2. sufficient descriptive information is available to disseminate to the public about the (a) suspect or his or her vehicle or other means of escape or (b) circumstances of the peace officer’s disappearance; and

3. disseminating the information to the public could help apprehend the suspect, locate the missing officer, or avert injury to any other person.

Blue Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts, which are broadcast on television to find missing or endangered children. At least 15 states have passed some form of the Blue Alert legislation.

The bill now heads for the State Senate for debate and approval.