HARTFORD — The state senate last week unanimously voted for a bill to create a Blue Alert System in Connecticut.
Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr. (D-17) said House Bill 6007 would establish an important tool to help residents assist law enforcement personnel working to apprehend dangerous suspects.
“The recent episode in Boston, after the tragic Patriot’s Day bombing, underscores how helpful the public can be in identifying suspected criminals,” Crisco said in a press release. “This Blue Alert system would function the same way the state’s existing Amber and Silver Alert systems already do, for missing children and senior citizens, respectively.”
A Blue Alert would notify the public of possible danger after a law enforcement officer has been killed, seriously injured, or missing, and a suspect, considered an imminent threat, is at large, Crisco explained. Further, it would solicit the public’s assistance in apprehending the suspect by providing identifying features of the suspect, such as license plate information or his or her last known whereabouts.
“Just last month members of the public played an important role in helping bring into custody an armed and dangerous suspect,” Crisco said. “This bill, should it become law, would put one more public safety tool at the disposal of those with the solemn responsibility for providing public safety.”
The state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection will develop and implement policies and procedures for operating and administering the system.
The bill advanced to the Governor’s desk for his consideration and potential signature.
