WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today joined Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI), David Cicilline (D-RI), and others in introducing the Active Shooter Alert Act. This bipartisan legislation will create a program like the Amber Alert system for law enforcement to alert the public to active shooters in communities.
Active shooter incidents place a huge strain on law enforcement officials. These crises present many challenges, not the least of which is preventing additional victims from unknowingly walking into the line of fire. Law enforcement and other independent review commissions have urged improvements in emergency communications systems.
The Active Shooter Alert Act would answer these calls by appointing an Active Shooter Alert Coordinator within the Department of Justice. The Coordinator would offer training, technical support, and best practices to local and state law enforcement to effectively improve or implement active shooter alert systems. These resources would include guidance developed by subject matter experts. This program would be available for law enforcement to utilize on a voluntary basis to improve their system of letting civilians know to stay away from active shooter situations.
“As communities across the country continue to experience increasing rates of violent crime, it is imperative that we take proactive steps to prepare for potentially deadly incidents,” said Rep. Meijer. “Providing state and local governments with best practices related to their use of mass alert systems for active shooter situations will help law enforcement be better prepared to quickly warn the public of any ongoing danger in these cases. Many local governments and law enforcement agencies may not be aware of the existing infrastructure available for sending out these mass alerts, so having policies already in place will help save lives. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in leading this effort to improve public safety.”
The Active Shooter Alert Act is endorsed by the National Sherriff’s Association, Major Cities Chiefs Associations, National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, National Police Foundation, and National District Attorneys Association.
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