ST. PAUL – In order to more quickly capture people accused of critically injuring or killing a police officer, State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) is authoring legislation that would create a “Blue Alert” system which would allow broadcasters to immediately alert the public that a suspect is at large.
“The public is often critical in helping apprehend those who have tried to injure or kill cops, as their tips usually lead law enforcement to the suspect,” Cornish said. “By providing information to Minnesotans as soon as it’s available, law enforcement is more likely to arrest these criminals before they continue their violent acts.”
Cornish said the Blue Alert system is modeled after the successful AMBER alert program, which is a partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry, to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases.
The proposal would create an effective alert system between public and commercial television and radio broadcasters and law enforcement in order to help apprehend someone suspected of killing or seriously wounding a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer.
Cornish said the alerts would include descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers if available, as well as the location of the incident and any other relevant information that could be helpful to the public.
“When a dangerous suspect is on the loose, the fastest way to get information to the public is through the media,” Cornish said. “I think the Blue Alert program would be very helpful to law enforcement in Minnesota and I’m honored to bring this bill forward.”