Addabbo Co-Sponsored Bill to Establish Blue Alert System Passes Senate

The New York State Senate passed S.5925, co-sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., which establishes a Blue Alert system to help apprehend suspects when a law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured.

“New Yorkers have swiftly and effectively assisted law enforcement when a child or elderly person goes missing through the use of Amber Alert and Silver Alert notification technology,” Addabbo said. “These events are extremely time sensitive and based on the high success rate of similar notification systems, it makes perfect sense to utilize Blue Alert technology in the apprehension of individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding any law enforcement officer.”

The Blue Alert System will provide the means to speed up the capture of violent criminals who kill or seriously wound local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. This technology would indirectly benefit the safety of residents by immediately notifying those in the area of a dangerous suspect on the loose while requesting their assistance in capturing the suspect. Currently, 27 states utilize this system successfully.

“Our first responders put their lives at risk every day for the people they serve," added Addabbo. “The Blue Alert System could help save the life of an officer or somebody else who might be injured or killed before an arrest is made. Implementing this notification system is an effective way for New Yorkers to give back to our officers by assisting them in their time of need.”

The bill was referred to the Assembly Governmental Operations Committee.