Texas Blue Alert Network to be announced!

HILO

On Monday, August 18, 2008 (between 1 and 2 PM), the Governor will hold a press conference in the Capitol announcing an executive order initiating a Blue Alert system to be used like an Amber Alert. The specifics of the program are attached. Blue Alert is in response to ideas submitted from several law enforcement agencies around the country and several of our members. Basically, if an officer is killed or seriously injured by another and that felon escapes immediate detention, agencies can initiate a Blue Alert and have suspect information announced in the media and on the traffic information signs.

Blue Alert Program

Law enforcement officers take great risks in protecting and serving the people of Texas . Gov. Perry believes Texans should in turn do their part to support and protect these officers in their time of need. On Monday, August 18, Gov. Perry will announce the creation of the Blue Alert program, a means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal law enforcement officers.

Based upon the successful AMBER Alert and Silver Alert programs, the Blue Alert program is a cooperative effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Governor’s Division of Emergency Management (GDEM), broadcasters, private companies, associations, and the general public.

Using media broadcasts and TxDOT’s dynamic sign system, each Blue Alert will blanket the state with information identifying the vehicle of the suspected assailant which will hinder violators’ ability to flee the state and facilitate their speedy capture, helping eliminate the threat they would otherwise pose to Texas communities and other law enforcement personnel.

Blue Alert Network Activation Criteria (all of the following criteria must be met for activation):

· A law enforcement officer must have been killed or seriously injured by an offender.

· The investigating law enforcement agency must determine that the offender poses a serious risk or threat to the public and other law enforcement personnel.

· A detailed description of the offender’s vehicle, vehicle tag or partial tag must be available for broadcast to the public.

· The investigating law enforcement agency or jurisdiction must recommend submit a Blue Alert recommendation to GDEM.

Blue Alert Program Details:
· Upon activation, the identifying vehicle information will be displayed across the state via media broadcasts and TxDOT’s dynamic message signs. DPS and GDEM are currently recruiting Blue Alert partners among public and commercial television and radio broadcasters; private commercial entities; local, state and federal government entities; and any others who can help spread offenders’ information.

· The alerts will also instruct individuals with information related to the offense to simply contact a local law enforcement agency via 911.

· Blue Alerts will be terminated upon apprehension of the suspect; evidence the assailant has left the state or determination that the alert is no longer an effective tool for apprehending the suspect.

To request activation of Blue Alert Network (must come from a law enforcement agency):

· Fax the Blue Alert Request Form to the State Operations Center , Governor’s Division of Emergency Management (GDEM). This form may be found at www.txdps.state.tx.us. Fax numbers are (512) 424-**** or (512) 451-****.

· Email a photograph of the suspect vehicle (if available) to the GDEM at soc@txdps.state.tx.us.

· Contact the GDEM at (512) 424-**** or (512) 424-**** to ensure fax and email were received.

· Ensure that a knowledgeable law enforcement officer will be available to discuss the request with a representative of the GDEM.

· Contact the GDEM at the phone number listed above to inform when the vehicle is located, or if an extension of the 24-hour activation period is needed.

David B.

Mike - Tac 2

Why don't they do this when anyone has been seriously injured or killed?

Klein36

CanonNinja

Klein36

Jasonc

gumby223

I haven't heard of this, but in my opinion this is a damn good idea.

mfaith91

What's a silver alert?

HILO

Klein36

k9vic

MEVS06

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