April 4, 2013
Rep. Henry Genga praised the Public Safety and Security Committee’s passage of legislation he initiated that would establish a Blue Alert system to alert the public when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured, killed or missing and the suspect, who is still at large, is considered a threat to others.
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.
Genga said he decided to seek the legislation after discussing the issue with an East Hartford constituent, who is a police officer.
“This would provide another tool for the police. It would provide a means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal law enforcement officers,” Genga said. “A simple act by this system could also prevent others from being victimized.”
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 legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for further action.