NY A06318

Establishes a statewide blue alert system within the division to identify, locate, and apprehend individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding local, state, or federal law enforcement officers.

Division shall develop regional alert operations and coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and television and radio broadcasters to disseminate urgent public information.

Blue alert system may transmit alerts that an officer has been killed or seriously injured, that the suspect poses a serious threat to the public, detailed suspect vehicle and license plate information, and the investigating agency name.

Participation is optional for local law enforcement agencies and federally licensed broadcasters; if a local agency opts out and an officer is killed or wounded, the division notifies regional media organizations.

Establishes class A misdemeanor penalty for knowingly making false reports that trigger an alert; takes effect immediately except the blue alert system provisions take effect 90 days after becoming law.