Based upon the success of the Amber and Silver Alerts and using the same notification system, AHPA and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Arizona are asking law enforcement officers, agencies, and survivors to help put the “Blue Alert” into effect nationwide. In Arizona, C.O.P.S. and the AHPA are teaming up to push a bill through the legislature to implement an Arizona Blue Alert system.

As you may know, the Amber Alert is in effect for missing children. These alerts function in many states across the nation. The Blue Alert will provide the means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. Below are the states that currently have the Blue Alert and the date implemented:

The Blue Alert would be a cooperative effort between the State Department of Public Safety, State Department of Transportation, the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management, broadcasters, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Using media broadcasts and Department of Transportation messaging signs, each Blue Alert would cover the state with information identifying a detailed description of the offender, the offender’s vehicle, and license plate information which will inevitably hinder the violator’s ability to flee the state. It would facilitate a speedy capture, helping eliminate the threat the offender would pose on other communities and law enforcement personnel. C.O.P.S. Arizona and AHPA would like to work together, so we can show our support for the brave men and women who protect our great nation and ensure that those who do harm to our protectors are quickly captured, fully prosecuted, and appropriately punished.

Up-to-date information about the Arizona Blue Alert can be found here or on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AZBlueAlert.