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Bill to Create Alert System to Track Down Cop Killers Headed to Snyder's Desk

State Capitol - file photo
Kevin Lavery, WKAR

(MPRN-Lansing) The state Legislature has given its OK to create an alert system for people suspected of killing or injuring on-duty police officers. 

The “blue alert” system would be similar to amber alert systems for missing children. It would use media broadcasts and highway signs to send out information on suspects who are at-large and considered a public threat. About half of all states already have a blue alert system.

“I think Michigan needs to join them and be a leader in this area,”

said state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton), who introduced SB 336.

“It gets out the important information of the suspect and all the identifying criteria to hopefully protect other officers and to alert the public.”

Schuitmaker says the Michigan State Police (MSP) would use its existing amber alert system to send out the information. She says that also means the system would come with a minimal cost to the state.

A report from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency states that MSP estimates the costs

“would include $10,000 to develop information technology systems, $10,000 for server storage, and $300 per month to operate the Plan in partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.”

The bill now heads to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.

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