May 15, 2013
The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation initiated and championed by Rep. Henry Genga that would establish a Blue Alert system – another tool to be used for the apprehension of dangerous criminals.
Already passed unanimously by the House of Representatives, the bill now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.
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.
“I’m very pleased both the House and Senate have unanimously approved the bill and I’m hopeful Gov. Malloy will sign it into law,” Genga said.
“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.