The Blue Alert program is a nationwide emergency notification program that alerts the community of a suspect who has seriously injured or killed a Law Enforcement Officer or poses an imminent threat to the officer and who is at large. 

The intent of the Blue Alert program is to assist local and State Law Enforcement by enlisting citizen assistance to locate those who may cause harm to law enforcement officers in the community or any other community member.

Blue Alerts will be authorized and issued by individual or State law enforcement agencies and coordinated through federal agencies.

The Blue Alert program also provides important and timely communication to law enforcement agencies and the community to help protect lives and assist in apprehending the suspect.

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What is a Blue Alert?

A Blue Alert is a national public safety alert issued to warn the public about a suspect who has seriously injured somone or presents a credible threat to law enforcement.

Similar to an Amber Alert, Blue Alerts provide critical information to aid in the apprehension of a suspect on behalf of law enforcement agencies using a combination of various communication technologies such as wireless alerts, television, radio, and highway signs.

In order to find and capture the suspect before additional injuries occur. Blue Alerts usually are handled by the National Blue Alert Network and other state and federal agencies to provide prompt and widespread notification to the general public concerning threats to law enforcement officers and public safety.

How does the System Work?

The activation criteria for a Blue Alert are whenever a sworn law enforcement officer has been killed or severely injured in the line of duty or is missing under suspicious circumstances. Authorities must also have a reasonable belief that the suspect remains a threat and will have a detailed description of either the suspect or their vehicle to use in the broadcast.

Multiple notification systems are used to broadcast alerts to the public such as mobile emergency alerts, television, radio, and digital road signs. 

These efforts are used to maximize the reach to the public and increase the chances of apprehending suspects quickly and safely, and therefore minimizing the risk to law enforcement officers and to the community as a whole.

Current Status in the U.S.

In late February, a Blue Alert was issued across many states in the U.S. because of an incident involving police officers. As a result, alerts were issued throughout those states where the incidents occurred. 

Shortly thereafter, Missouri officials informed residents how to obtain complete information about the Blue Alerts due to the problems with links that were shared on multiple social media platforms.