Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FCC to Establish National Blue Alert System

The alerts will be managed by local and state law enforcement and will provide information to the recipients about steps they can take to protect themselves or help police locate any suspects.

December 15, 2017
1 min to read


The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to establish an alert system that would warn the public if a police officer in their community is threatened, missing, seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

The so-called "Blue Alerts" are designed to protect the public from potential threats and help apprehend dangerous suspects. The notifications could go to your television or wireless devices, much like existing weather warnings or missing children alerts.

Ad Loading...

The alerts will be managed by local and state law enforcement and will provide information to the recipients about steps they can take to protect themselves or help police locate any suspects, ABC News reports.

Today's vote was the culmination of a law signed in May 2015 by then-President Barack Obama that created the Blue Alerts. The FCC was tasked to establish how exactly these alerts would be transmitted.

More Technology

Graphic with image of crime scene investigator and yellow evidence markers and black box covering the persons idenity and headline Automated Redaction.
TechnologyApril 30, 2026

Pimloc & Dynamic Workflow Solutions Partner to Deliver Data Management and Automated Redaction

The joint redaction solution from Pimloc and Dynamic Workflow Solutions helps agencies reduce FOIA response time and compliance risk by automatically redacting faces, license plates, and other sensitive information from digital evidence.

Read More →
Fans cheer at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during a football game at The University of Alabama.
TechnologyApril 23, 2026

The University of Alabama Rolls Out Couter-Drone Technology

The University of Alabama is using D-Fend Solutions as a counter-drone technology supplier for campus and game-day airspace security. The University integrates D-Fend’s EnforceAir into its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), utilizing a unified command framework to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners during major events.

Read More →
Man working in front of multiple computer screens.
TechnologyApril 22, 2026

Motorola Solutions Now Part of the Cyber Threat Alliance

Motorola Solutions is now part of the Cyber Threat Alliance, the first formally organized nonprofit group of cybersecurity practitioners that work together in good faith to share threat information and improve global defenses against advanced cyber adversaries.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Bar chart showing what police departments spend budget on for security.
TechnologyApril 22, 2026

Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security Report Reveals Public Safety Priorities & Challenges

Survey results from Genetec’s 2026 State of Physical Security Report highlight the demand for integrated systems that improve response times and reduce investigative workload. Nearly nine in 10 respondents said they use security data to help keep officers safe.

Read More →
Tinted blue background image of traffic with inset images for an ALPR camera, a police dispatcher, and a logo for Flock Safety.
TechnologyApril 16, 2026

Flock Safety Introduces Audit Assistance, Its Latest Trust & Compliance Tool

Audit Assistance is the latest tool in the Flock Trust & Compliance suite, a first-of-its-kind set of products and services that provides communities with guardrails and customization for accountability, transparency, and responsible use of the Flock platform.

Read More →
image of one closed laptop and one open laptop with Toughbook logo on screen, all against a blue gradient background
TechnologyApril 16, 2026

Panasonic Connect Launches the Toughbook 56

The Toughbook 56, the latest rugged laptop from Panasonic Connect, delivers enhanced performance, refined design, new levels of security, and power-efficient workflows in demanding environments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collection of traffic control signs against a city backdrop and logos for Radarsign and Sourcewell.
TechnologyApril 16, 2026

Radarsign Awarded Sourcewell Contract Expanding Access to Traffic Safety Solutions

Radarsign’s traffic safety portfolio, including radar speed signs, flashing beacon systems, and more, are now available through Sourcewell purchasing contracts.

Read More →
Rooftop view off a drone detection devise with two small rubber antennas with an view overlooking a large domed event venue.
TechnologyApril 9, 2026

D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir C-UAS System Secures Key Event with RF-Cyber Counter-Drone Technology

D-Fend Solutions deployed its EnforceAir C-UAS system in support of local police to help secure a 19,000-attendee event, leveraging its non-jamming approach to keep communications and authorized drones operational while safeguarding against rogue drone threats.

Read More →
Graphic showing four priorities for secure enterprise cloud adoption and a logo for Genetec.
TechnologyApril 2, 2026

Genetec Highlights Why Governance Defines Secure Cloud Adoption in Enterprise Physical Security

With World Cloud Security Day on April 3, Genetec outlines how enterprises can strengthen resilience as they modernize physical security in the cloud.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
police car geotab thumbnail for services whitepaper
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Police Fleet Management: Boost Performance & Savings

Today’s police departments face rising fleet costs and must stay ready to respond, no matter the call. In this eBook, get powerful insights to enhance your police fleet’s cost-efficiency, reliability and performance through data-driven tactics.

Read More →