State Senate Approves "Blue Alerts"

Less than 24 hours after the funeral for slain Washington State Patrol Trooper Tony Radulescu, the Washington State Senate voted to approve HB 1820, or “Blue Alerts.”

Modeled after the AMBER alerts, Blue Alerts will tap media resources to inform citizens with crucial information about suspects who have seriously injured or killed law enforcement officers. Seven other states already have similar law enforcement notification systems.

The State House of Representatives unanimously adopted the bill earlier this week, and the legislation has been sent to Governor Gregoire for her signature.

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. 

Dunn represents District 9, which includes Renton, Bellevue, Newcastle, Maple Valley, Kent, Covington, Black Diamond and Enumclaw.

“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.”

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.