Dunn praises state Legislature for creation of “Blue Alert” system for law enforcement

March 2, 2012

Summary

Proposal protecting officers and the public sent to Governor

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn applauded the Washington state Legislature for approving the creation of a “Blue Alert” system to inform the public about crucial information regarding suspects who have seriously injured or killed law enforcement officers.

The Washington State Senate voted today to approve HB 1820, which the State House of Representatives unanimously adopted earlier this week. The legislation has been sent to Governor Gregoire for her signature.

“I commend the Legislature for taking swift action and hope that the Governor will sign this important piece of legislation into law,” said Dunn. “Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the protection and service of others. Providing them with a Blue Alert system shows we understand that an assault on them is an assault on the blanket of safety they provide all of us.”

Modeled after AMBER alerts, Blue Alerts would use media resources to inform the public about crucial information regarding suspects who have seriously injured or killed law enforcement officers. Washington will join seven other states that have created their own law enforcement notification system.

At its February 27 meeting, the King County Council gave its unanimous support to a motion introduced by Dunn urging the Legislature to act on a HB 1820.

In 2010, Dunn sponsored a Council motion urging the Legislature to pass the Lakewood Law Enforcement Memorial Act which placed on the ballot a constitutional amendment giving judges the ability to deny bail to those facing a life sentence. The constitutional amendment passed with 85 percent of the vote.