KENNEWICK, Wash. - A new program will allow people to receive alerts on suspects that killed or seriously injured a law enforcement officer.
The Blue Alert plan, similar to AMBER Alerts for endangered and missing children, will ask citizens to help find the suspect. The state legislature approved the program in 2012 and just a few days ago, the Blue Alert plan was approved.
The Washington State Patrol hopes Blue Alerts will help find suspects that are a threat to officers and the public.
"To have the willingness to injure or assault a law enforcement officer, obviously they're going to be less hesitant to do that to someone that's in the public. TO me that creates a greater threat to people we serve out there," said Lt. Michael Saunders, Washington State Patrol.
Lawmakers worked to pass the Blue Alert legislation quickly after the shooting death of Trooper Tony Radulescu in last February in Kitsap County.
State Patrol wants to remind people. if they do see a suspect or their vehicle to call authorities. Do not try to approach the suspect yourself.
