Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday to crack down on violent crimes against police officers. The legislation will establish a Blue Alert system to aid in the identification, location, and apprehension of individuals suspecting of killing or seriously wounding a police officer. By creating a better way to disseminate information to the public on violent crimes against law enforcement, this new law will help catch perpetrators and improve public safety across the state.

“We are taking a comprehensive approach towards protecting the individuals who serve and protect us, taking every measure we can to crack down on violent crime against law enforcement,” Hochul said. “New York is wholly committed to safeguarding our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and this new law will be crucial to creating safer communities and apprehending those who commit violent crimes against police officers.”

Legislation (S.772A/A.6318B) establishes a Blue Alert system to aid in the identification, location, and apprehension of individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding a police officer. A Blue Alert is issued to notify law enforcement agencies, media, and the public about suspects who have killed, seriously injured, or pose an imminent threat to police. Creating a Blue Alert system will help catch perpetrators that threaten public safety by establishing a better way to disseminate information on crime against police officers to the public.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “Law enforcement is known for being a dangerous profession. However, officers chose this profession because they believe in public service, helping others and putting the public ahead of themselves. Each call to service brings its own set of challenges and officers never know for certain what they will face. By establishing a Blue Alert system, we can better protect law enforcement from individuals who are
looking to inflict harm on officers that have committed their lives to protecting others.”

“I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men and women of law enforcement, who sacrifice so much to keep all of us safe,” said state Assemblymember Steve Stern. “The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York State. This legislation will protect our community, protect our officers, and save lives. I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for
unanimously supporting this legislative initiative and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”