Golden, Malliotakis Sponsor Bill to Aid in Capture of Criminals That Attack Law Enforcement

Legislation would establish alert system to bring offenders to Justice

Senator Martin Golden (R,C,I-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn, Staten Island) are sponsoring legislation that would establish a Blue Alert System to aid in the apprehension of criminals that kill or wound law enforcement. Similar to the Amber Alert used for missing children, Blue Alert would instantly spread word when a fugitive is on the run after committing such a heinous crime.

Senator Golden stated, "As a former New York City Police Officer, I know the dangers that our men and women in uniform face each and every day. As such, I have introduced this legislation to further involve the public in the search for thugs that choose to injure or kill an officer of the law. Working with Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, I am hopeful that we can pass this bill and make it a law in New York this year."

“The brave men and women in local, state and federal law enforcement are already putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. It is vitally important that we do our part as citizens to apprehend criminals that would threaten the health and livelihood of these courageous public servants,” said Malliotakis. “Blue Alert would mobilize New Yorkers to do just that when every second counts and time is of the essence.”

The legislation has received bipartisan support in the state Senate and Assembly. Similar alert systems are currently in place Texas, Florida and Oklahoma.