AURORA, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, adopting a statewide alert system to notify nearby residents of an emergency situation involving a police officer took effect at the beginning of the year.
“This law will allow police officers to be better protected against dangerous criminals, and the public to be better protected against criminals who have absolutely no regard for law and order,” Kifowit said. “By giving the public timely updates, law enforcement will have a better chance of apprehending these individuals before they can cause additional harm.”
Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Public Act 98-0263 creates a statewide “Blue Alert” system and is issued to local residents if a police officer has been seriously injured or is missing. The alert will also provide a suspect’s information to engage the public in the search. The Blue Alert system will use the same type of notification system as the Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing senior citizens. Comparable programs are utilized by 17 other states, aiding law enforcement as they pursue criminals who kill or injure local, state, or federal law enforcement officers.
Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Thanks to the Blue Alert system, future tragedies will be able to be prevented,” Kifowit said. “I am proud Illinois has joined with other states in implementing this program to help keep our police officers safe.”
For more information, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.
