Blue Alert
The California Statewide Blue Alert Program was introduced through Senate Bill 839 and became law in 2011 by adding Section 8594.5 to the California Government Code. A Blue Alert is activated when a violent attack on a law enforcement officer has occurred and poses an imminent threat to law enforcement or the general public. Blue Alerts provide immediate information to the public to prevent further harm and aid in the swift apprehension of the suspect.
Blue Alert Criteria
In order for a Blue Alert to be activated, the following criteria must be met (Government Code section 8594.5):
- A law enforcement officer has been killed, suffers serious bodily injury, or is assaulted with a deadly weapon, and the suspect has fled the scene of the offense.
- A law enforcement agency investigating the offense has determined that the suspect poses an imminent threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel.
- A detailed description of the suspect's vehicle or license plate is available for broadcast.
- Public dissemination of available information may help avert further harm or accelerate apprehension of the suspect.
What should the public do?
Every member of the community can play an important role in a Blue Alert. If you have information about one that has occurred, call 911 immediately to report it. Be prepared to provide the location, any relevant descriptions and make, model, color, and license plate number (if possible) of any vehicle involved. Even the smallest piece of information can be the piece that leads to a successful apprehension of the suspect.
We ask that the public use extreme caution if they locate a person connected with a Blue Alert. These persons may be a danger to the public. Stay at a safe distance and do not approach or make contact with the person.