An Act To Create a Blue Alert Program in Maine
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 25 MRSA c. 260 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 260
BLUE ALERT PROGRAM
§ 2221. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
1. Blue Alert. "Blue Alert" means a notice provided under this chapter to the public through certain state agencies and the media.
2. Blue Alert Program. "Blue Alert Program" means the statewide alert program regarding killed, injured or missing law enforcement officers developed and implemented under this chapter.
3. Department. "Department" means the Department of Public Safety.
4. Law enforcement officer. "Law enforcement officer" has the same meaning as in section 3701, subsection 3.
5. Media. "Media" means print, radio, Internet-based communication systems or other methods of communicating information to the public.
§ 2222. Blue Alert Program
1. Blue Alert Program. In accordance with this chapter and with the cooperation of the Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, a statewide organization representing broadcast groups in the State, the Office of the Governor and appropriate law enforcement agencies, the department shall develop and implement the Blue Alert Program as provided in subsection 2.
2. Program elements. The Blue Alert Program must be developed and implemented using existing resources and activated when, in the line of duty, a law enforcement officer has been killed or injured or is missing, there is sufficient information available regarding the law enforcement officer's last known location or physical description of an offender or vehicle involved and the department determines that a public notification may aid in:
A. Apprehending a suspected offender who poses an imminent threat to the public or to law enforcement personnel; or
B. Locating a missing law enforcement officer.
3. Standards of procedure. The Blue Alert Program must include standards of procedure for local law enforcement agencies to determine that a condition under subsection 2 exists to notify the department to activate a Blue Alert, a plan for providing relevant information to the public through an existing system of dynamic message signs located across the State when necessary and training for all law enforcement officers.
4. Rules. The department may adopt routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 127th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.