STATEHOUSE – House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1151, co-authored by State Representative Bill Davis (R-Portland), was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence this week. HEA 1151 creates the Blue Alert program, which will notify the public when a law enforcement officer is killed, seriously injured, missing in the line of duty, or if the criminal who caused harm has not been apprehended and may be a danger to others. The program will be operated by the Indiana State Police Department. “It is one of our top priorities to keep law enforcement officers safe,” said Rep. Davis. “When tragedy strikes, these officials are the first to put their well-being on the line. I hope the Blue Alert program will help ease the minds of the brave men and women who serve the public.” The Blue Alert program will operate similar to the already existing Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts for missing children and missing or endangered adults. This will provide an extra layer of protection for law enforcement officers and the general public. “This program will work to keep our communities safe by notifying the public if the criminal has not been apprehended,” said Rep. Davis. “Public safety is critical and being informed is an important part of that.” HEA 1151 will go into effect on July 1, 2013. |
