Blue Alerts

The purpose of the Blue Alert program is to establish a notification system that provides immediate information to the public through issuing and coordinating alerts using various resources following a violent attack upon a law enforcement officer.

The Blue Alert aims to protect the public and officers through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in quick and safe apprehension of suspect(s) when such attacks occur..

Arizona Blue Alert Criteria

As prescribed by A.R.S. 41-1726, specific criteria are established in statue. DPS will issue a Blue Alert when the following criteria has been met as listed below.

1. A law enforcement officer has been killed, suffered serious bodily injury or has been assaulted with a deadly weapon and the suspect has fled the scene of the offense.
2. A law enforcement agency investigating the offense has determined that the suspect poses an imminent threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel.
3. A detailed description of the suspect's vehicle or license plate is available for broadcast.
4. Public dissemination of available information may help avert further harm or accelerate apprehension of the suspect.

Arizona Resource Activations

• Emergency Alert System (EAS): As of January 1, 2019, the Federal Communications Commission has created a specific code for Blue Alert EAS activations, that are capable of interrupting normal broadcasts. 
• Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA): As of June 30, 2019, the Federal Communications Commission has created a specific activation code for Blue Alert WEA activations that will send alerts directly to a wireless phone or device. 
• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Vehicle Messaging System (VMS) Boards. 
• All Points Bulletin (APB): Regular broadcasts to law enforcement. 
• The DPS Alerts Website.
• Social Media (Twitter and Facebook), Text, and Email.