What is a Blue Alert in Texas and when/why is it issued?

TEXAS – When a blue alert is issued, it means that a serious and potentially fatal situation has occurred involving police officers.

According to a government website, when a Blue Alert is issued, it means officials are attempting to “expeditiously disseminate information to law enforcement, the media and the public to assist in the apprehension of violent criminals who have killed or seriously injured an officer in the line of duty.”

A Blue Alert could also be triggered if a suspect poses a threat to law enforcement or if an officer goes missing in the line of duty.

According to Congress.gov, the alert was created with the National Blue Alert Act of 2013, which directs the Attorney General, in coordination with the federal government and states, to establish a communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) for law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

Only 37 states use the warning.