(CNN Español) — On Tuesday night, Floridians’ cell phones triggered a rare notification: a Blue Alert.
But, what does the Blue Alert or Blue Alert mean and what does it imply?
Unlike the Alerta AMBER —which is activated with the aim of encouraging the community to collaborate in the search for a missing child to recover him safely— the Blue Alert is activated to request assistance from the public after the disappearance, assault or death of a law enforcement officer or public order, like a policeman.
Like the Amber Alert and the Silver Alert — which is activated when an elderly or cognitively impaired person goes missing and is at risk — the Blue Alert can be broadcast to radio and television stations, cell phones, highway signs and other mechanisms. secondary alerts.
In the specific case of Tuesday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) launched a blue alert in Florida for Gregory Ryan Miedema, with the caption “If found, DO NOT APPROACH. If you have any information on this person’s whereabouts, please contact the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office at 850-584-2429 or 911” .
Hours later the Blue Alert was deactivated. At a press conference, the FDLE confirmed Wednesday that the suspect was killed during a home invasion in Steinhatchee, Florida.
When are Blue Alerts sent?
According to FDLEFor a Blue Alert to be activated, four criteria must be met:
- An officer must have been seriously injured, killed, or missing while on duty.
- The investigating agency must determine that the suspect poses a serious risk to the public or other law enforcement officials and the alert could help prevent further harm or help apprehend the suspect.
- A detailed description of the offender’s vehicle or vehicle license plate (or partial license plate) must be made available for public release.
- The local law enforcement agency must recommend the issuance of the Blue Alert.
If you have not received the alert, Florida residents can register and register your email.