Brown pushing for national ‘Blue Alert’ system

Brown pushing for national ‘Blue Alert’ system

YOUNGSTOWN — Flanked by numerous Mahoning Valley law-enforcement officials, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said today that there is a great need for a national alert system aimed at capturing criminals who injure or kill law-enforcement officers in the line of duty.

Brown, a Democrat from Avon, said he supports a national “Blue Alert” system that would quickly provide needed information about those particular suspects to law-enforcement agencies, the public and the media.

“A national Blue Alert system would help track down those who assault law enforcement officers — even if they attempt to flee to a neighboring state,” he said. “In a state like Ohio, that borders five other states, a national Blue Alert system could mean the difference between capturing an assailant and having him escape.”

The Ohio Senate approved legislation in December to establish a Blue Alert system in the state.

Brown supports that, but added a national system is needed.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com