Drafter
Clerk 02/24/2012
title
A MOTION urging the Washington State Legislature to create a "Blue Alert" system for law enforcement.
Body
WHEREAS, America's Missing Broadcast Emergency Response ("AMBER") Alert System provides a method to rapidly alert the public to the details of alleged child abductions through the media, and
WHEREAS, Blue Alert systems notify law enforcement and the public across the state about descriptions of people suspected of injuring or killing local, state or federal law enforcement officers, and
WHEREAS, at least seven states, including Maryland, Texas and Florida have enacted Blue Alert systems modeled on AMBER alert systems, and
WHEREAS, there is currently no system in place in Washington state to expedite the apprehension of violent criminals who seriously injure or kill local, state or federal law enforcement officers, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to create a statewide Blue Alert system in Washington state to aid and speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal law enforcement officers, and
WHEREAS, on October 31, 2009, two Seattle police officers were shot while on duty, with one officer dying from his injuries, and
WHEREAS, On November 29, 2009, four Lakewood City police officers were murdered by an assailant who subsequently eluded police with the assistance of others, and
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2012, a Washington state park ranger was murdered during a traffic stop in Mount Rainier National Park, and
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2012, a Washington State Patrol trooper was shot and killed in Kitsap county during a routine traffic stop, and
WHEREAS, the 62nd state Legislature, in its 2012 session, is considering legislation that would create a Blue Alert system for law enforcement agencies around the state to voluntarily enter into, and
WHEREAS, legislation creating a Blue Alert system possesses bi-partisan support among its sponsors in the Washington state House of Representatives, and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2012, representatives from the Washington Association of Police Chiefs, Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors and Washington Association of Broadcasters testified in support of legislation creating a Blue Alert system;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The metropolitan King County council urges the Washington state Legislature to create a Blue Alert system by enacting Substitute House Bill 1820.