‘Blue Alerts’ Bill Clears Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House has voted overwhelmingly to set up a statewide alert system aimed at catching suspected police killers.

The Blue Alert system would function like the statewide Amber Alerts designed to find missing children. It would broadcast suspect information when local, state or federal officers are killed or seriously wounded.

Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center and a retired police officer, says the system wouldn't cost much to set up, if anything. A national foundation says at least 20 states already have Blue Alerts in place.

Advocates say the alerts could help in situations like the killing of Mendota Heights Officer Scott Patrick last year.

The state representatives voted 129-to-0 Monday on a bill establishing the system. The Senate has yet to take up the bill.