May 1, 2013
Urging his colleagues to create another tool for apprehending criminals, Rep. Henry Genga on Wednesday outlined legislation he sponsored that would establish a Blue Alert system, and the House of Representatives passed it unanimously.
The legislation, (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 sought the legislation after discussing the issue with an East Hartford constituent, who is a police officer.
“With this legislation we can help police by giving them an important tool for stopping more crimes from occurring and better protect the public,” Genga said. “It will provide a means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal law enforcement officers.”
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 Senate for further action.