ATLANTA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has issued a “Blue Alert” for an armed and dangerous suspect they say shot and killed an officer in Warm Springs.
What is a Blue Alert? Georgia legislators passed a law to create the system in 2010.
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An agency can issue the alert to help “to speed the apprehension” of a suspect when an officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. It can also be used if an officer or deputy is missing.
In order for a Georgia police department or sheriff’s office to issue one, the case must meet the following criteria:
- The suspect has not been apprehended and may be of serious threat to the public.
- Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the suspect.
- The criminal is entered into National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
- Regarding a law enforcement officer missing in the line of duty, sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing peace officer.
Information from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
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