Suffolk County will have a new alert system to help catch those who commit violent crimes against police officers.
State Assemblyman Steve Stern and other elected officials, along with members of state and local police departments, announced the implementation of the Blue Alert System.
The bipartisan legislation was unanimously approved by the State Legislature.
“I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men
and women of law enforcement who sacrifice so much to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Stern said. “The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York State. This initiative will help protect our community, protect our officers and save lives.”
“We have a very concerted effort in Nassau and Suffolk counties to make sure we have the safest communities in the United States,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman. “The ‘Blue Alert’ system is another tool in the toolbox for our law enforcement and homeland security personnel and I thank Assemblyman Steve Stern for his leadership on this legislation.”
“Every day our police officers leave their homes and families to protect our communities not knowing what potential dangers lie ahead,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “They put their lives on the line for the good of others and it is critical that we do everything we can to support them. I would like to thank Assemblyman Steve Stern for helping to push forward this important legislation allowing New York to become one of the dozens of states that are already using this critical alert system.”
The alert is based upon the success of the Amber Alert for missing children and the Silver Alert for missing
vulnerable adults. The Blue Alert System will help apprehend violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. Thirty-seven states have implemented the Blue Alert System, including New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont.
“I am proud to stand with my law enforcement partners in support of this worthwhile legislation,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. “Police officers go to work every day facing the risk of physical danger or death, selflessly confronting that peril to allow us the chance to live in peace. An attack against our first responders is an attack against our society and we must take every measure possible to help ensure the safety of our police.”
The legislation provides that a Blue Alert may be requested by any law enforcement agency in New York State if the agency believes that the public dissemination of information may help avert further harm or accelerate apprehension of the suspect.