Blue Alert could be coming to Missouri
A emergency alert system for wounded officers could be coming to Missouri.
Governor-elect Eric Greitens is calling for the Blue Alert, which would send out a emergency notification to capture the person responsible for shooting an officer.
27 other states already have the system, which is why the governor-elect says, “It’s time for Missouri to do the same.”
This comes after two officers in Missouri were shot in the line of duty on Sunday. One was in St. Louis and the other was in Gladstone, Missouri.
The Blue Alert is similar to the Amber and Silver alert. It would send out emergency notices to help capture the person responsible for causing serious injuries or even death.
ABC 17 News spoke with Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers who says he is very supportive of this idea.
“I think this is a step in the right direction, I think it’s a great idea not only for law enforcement,” he said, “It’s good for Missouri.”
Although it would be awhile till Missourians see the new system; governor-elect Greitens press secretary told ABC 17 News on the phone that the incoming administration is looking forward to working with legislatures.
As of now it’s unclear if this new system would cost tax payers but Myers told ABC 17 the cost is worth it.
“I definitely think the benefit outweighs the cost,” Myers said.
Back in 2014 HB 1362 was introduced which would require the Amber Alert system oversight committee to adopt criteria to expand the system to provide peace officer safety alerts, but it wasn’t able to get any further than an introduction.
