What is a Blue Alert?

A “Blue Alert” is an emergency warning system designed to quickly provide the public with information following the attack or attempted attack of a law enforcement officer. These alerts are used to facilitate the immediate apprehension of suspects who have targeted officers, thereby promoting the safety of law enforcement officers, the general public, and the suspects themselves.

The Origin of Blue Alerts

The idea to create Blue Alerts was first proposed in 2004 by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. In the wake of several attacks on law enforcement officers, including the shooting of an Oklahoma police officer four years prior, American Police Hall of Fame CEO Darrel Stephens proposed a specialized alert system modeled after existing Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts. These alerts would provide information on any circumstance involving the death or assault of a law enforcement officer, or any abduction of an officer.

In 2008, The Officer Down Awareness Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. This act instructed the Department of Justice to define standards for the alert system as well as grant funding for states and territories to establish Blue Alert plans. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund soon became the lead advocate for implementing Blue Alerts–helping to pass the William M. (Matt) Miller Act in 2015.

Today, Blue Alerts are active in 46 states, Washington D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico.

How do Blue Alerts Work?

When a Blue Alert is issued, the details are disseminated as quickly as possible, typically through radio broadcasts, television alerts, email, social media, roadway signage and other methods. Depending on the state, the details may include information such as suspect descriptions, descriptions of the vehicle involved in the incident, and other pertinent information. In some cases, rewards may be offered by the state or law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the case.

Once issued, members of the public who receive the Alert are asked to report any information they may have to the relevant law enforcement agency. This information may be used to locate the suspect and apprehend them before they can cause further harm.

In addition, Blue Alerts help to raise awareness in and around the community, appraising the public of the local danger. And, since the Alerts are so extensively disseminated, often across state lines and beyond, a Blue Alert serves as a reminder to law enforcement that they must still be vigilant despite their circumstances and surroundings.

Conclusion

Blue Alerts are an incredibly important addition to emergency warning systems and a necessary tool to promote safety for law enforcement officers and the public. Their rapid response and widespread dissemination of pertinent information has proven useful in apprehending suspects and protecting law enforcement personnel. As the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund works to continue the spread of Blue Alerts across the nation and its territories, many can look forward to the increasing protection of another valuable component of the emergency response network.