What is a Blue Alert? Missouri alert systems explained

The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Tuesday sent out a “Blue Alert” to people in North Kansas City. Police were looking for the white male driver of a grey Ford Focus who fired and critically injured an officer. The first incident happened at 10:41 AM on 21st Street in North Kansas City. The car was last spotted leaving Clay Street and travelling west on 21st Street.

What actually is a Blue Alert?

A Blue Alert is for threats or acts of violence against law enforcement. This alert is issued to alert law enforcement, media outlets, and the public about suspects who have killed, gravely injured, or who pose an immediate threat to police. It uses the same identical notification procedures as other alerts like Amber Alert. 

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‘The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act’ was passed by Congress in 2014 in memory of the two New York City police officers who were killed in an ambush. The law created a nationwide network to alert police officers about threats as soon as possible.  

There are two other alerts which are used by law enforcement agencies:

1. Amber Alert: When a minor is kidnapped and authorities have reason to believe there is a real risk of death or serious bodily harm, an Amber Alert is issued. Following the disclosure of the child’s details to the National Crime Information Center, law enforcement alerts highway patrol agencies like MSHP(Missouri State Highway Patrol) to issue the alert.

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2. Silver Alert: To alert the public and the media about a missing individual above the age of 60, a Silver Advisory is released. A legal guardian of the person must provide enough information to the local police, who will then alert the highway patrol, in order for the advise to be implemented.