Michigan Adopts 'Blue Alert' To Tell Public About Suspects In Cop Killings

LANSING (AP/WWJ) - Michigan State Police will be required to notify the public about a search for suspects who have injured or killed a police officer under a new state law.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law Tuesday Senate Bill 336, which calls for a "blue alert" to be issued to radio and TV stations if a dangerous suspect is on the run.

Bi-partisan supporters say a special alert could have led to a faster arrest in the fatal shooting of Trooper Paul Butterfield in Mason County in 2013. Snyder says "every moment is critical" in trying to capture a suspect.

"Public safety is of utmost importance in Michigan, and law enforcement is on the front lines every day protecting us," Snyder said. "The Michigan Blue Alert Act ensures there will be a plan in place to broadcast essential information to the public if an officer is harmed, when every moment is critical in apprehending a suspect."

More than 20 states have "blue alert" systems.

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