Rep. Reichert Applauds House Passage of National Blue Alert Act

Today, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus applauded passage of the National Blue Alert Act of 2012, which he co-sponsored. Rep. Reichert led a bipartisan letter  last month urging the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings so that the bill received expeditious consideration by the full House of Representatives. The bill passed the House by a vote of 394 to 1 today, National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

This bill is personal for Congressman Reichert.  As a former police officer and sheriff of King County, Washington, Rep. Reichert has too often felt the loss of a law enforcement brother or sister. Creating the National Blue Alert system helps to protect not just the men and women of law enforcement, but their families and communities.

“Creating the National Blue Alert system is a crucial step forward in protecting our communities and preventing further tragedy. When a criminal murders a law enforcement officer, speedy apprehension is essential to protecting the public, preventing further loss of life and returning peace to communities.  By creating a system to quickly disseminate crucial information, we empower ordinary citizens and public safety officers, increasing the speed of justice. It is my honor to add to the tools that officers at every level will use to keep America safe. ”

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there is an upward trend in ambush attacks against law enforcement. Washington State has suffered several law enforcement tragedies in recent years.

In 2009, a lone gunman entered a Lakewood, Washington coffee shop and assassinated four police officers as they prepared for their shift. Sergeant Mark Renninger was among the fallen. His widow, Kim Renninger, said, “The Blue Alert could have been an effective tool to help catch [the murderer].. As soon as he was identified, all police personnel and citizens would have had access to his name and description in a much shorter amount of time. By streamlining and swiftly disseminating suspect information, similar life-ending disasters can be avoided. “Renninger continued, “Unfortunately, in the last couple of years there's been way too many law enforcement deaths similar to my husband's murder. Each one has deeply affected me and is why I'm now stepping up and asking that the National Blue Alert bill be implemented to protect the citizens of this great country from perpetrators who are on the run after severely injuring or killing a law enforcement officer. “

Nationally this year, 36 officers have already been killed in the line of duty, including Washington State Trooper Tony Radulescu.

Trooper Radulescu’s girlfriend, Gina Miller, said in support of a National Blue Alert, “I miss Tony every day … ALL law enforcement needs to be given the tools they need to get the upper hand on the criminals.  I don’t want any other family to go through what our family has, wondering where the criminal is and will they be caught,” Miller continued, “How would you feel knowing the killer of one of your loved ones is on the loose and could harm others?   The passing of the National Blue Alert Bill [will] provide much needed and necessary tools to our law enforcement, it [will] honor all of those who have lost their life in the line of duty. “

Washington State homicide victim’s advocate and wife of a police officer Keriann Shumate adds, “The fear and anxiety that “Brothers in Blue” experience following a cop’s murder is so strong that residual effects hold a permanent effect.” she continues, “After an attack, it takes every ounce of inner strength to watch my husband leave for work, knowing there is a cop-killer on the loose. How do I explain to my young child that Mommy is crying because she is fearful that somebody on the loose may take away his Daddy? With the Blue Alert available and utilized as soon as suspect information is developed, it can save family members, friends and law enforcement officers days of being out of their mind with fear and anxiety. It will allow the public to be pro-active and get involved in the safety of those who protect their safety.”

The National Blue Alert Act of 2012 has the full support of multiple Law Enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeant’s Benevolent Association, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.  It directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. The act assigns an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator responsible for creating voluntary guidelines to assist states in developing their Blue Alert plans. While fourteen states have already developed Blue Alert systems, criminals do not respect borders, and to this end the Act encourages more states to establish such plans so they can quickly communicate and share information with each other and the public about potentially dangerous offenders on the run.

Kim Renninger’s full statement can be found here.

Gina Miller’s full statement can be found here.