Bill would alert public to crimes against cops
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A Minnesota House panel advanced legislation today that would create a statewide emergency alert when police officers are killed or seriously wounded.
The proposed Blue Alert system would use the state’s existing Amber Alert technology, which is triggered in cases of child abductions.
Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, is the bill’s sponsor. Cornish, a former law enforcement officer who now chairs the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, explained during a hearing that a Blue Alert would get the public’s help to track down a suspect.
“Many times after the assault has taken place, or the death, these people escape in a vehicle,” Cornish said. “So this system would really be helpful in apprehension, a quicker apprehension before these people get out into the general public and do more damage.”
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Under the proposal, a Blue Alert would be transmitted in the same method as an Amber Alert through the Minnesota Crime Alert Network and the Emergency Alert System. Public and commercial broadcasters would be involved in sharing the alert information.
Rep. Dan Schoen, DFL-St. Paul Park, was among those supporting the bill. Schoen, who currently works as a police officer, said the proposed alert system would broadcast information faster than some of the methods currently in use by law enforcement.
“We want people looking out their windows,” Schoen said. “We want people looking at each other when they’re going down the interstate, and we need the public to be a part of that.”
Members of Cornish’s committee advanced the bill on a unanimous voice vote. It now goes to the House Transportation Committee.