AUSTIN, TEXAS – March 7, 2017
Representative Matt Krause has proposed House Bill 2189 which creates the Blue Alert Program. This alert will generate a statewide alert to assist in the capture of individuals suspected of seriously injuring or killing a law enforcement officer. Chairman Whitmire has also filed an identical bill in the Senate (Senate Bill 1138), which all 31 state senators have signed on as authors.
Senator Whitmire stated, “Placing the program in statute provides long term assurance to our law enforcement community that the State of Texas is committed to its participation and utilization of the National Blue Alert System.” He continued, “Because the system provides the notice and information to the public and the media, Blue Alerts often facilitate tips and leads in support of the apprehension. The notice also enhances public safety as well as the investigative process.”
Representative Krause said, “Our law enforcement officers sacrifice so much for our safety and they deserve a system to assist them when they are most at risk. The Blue Alert system would work much like the Amber Alert System, sending out information on a suspect allowing the public to provide tips.” Representative Krause added, “Codifying the Blue Alert System allows our law enforcement and their families to know that the people of Texas will be searching for anyone that causes harm to our fine men and women.”
House Bill 2189 is still accepting co-authors and has yet to be assigned to a committee. Senate Bill 1138 has gone before the Criminal Justice Committee and can be expected to make its way to the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
