South Carolina’s Blue Alert Program was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley on February 27, 2012 (S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-1400). The purpose of the program is to broadcast critical information to the public as quickly as possible to assist in the apprehension of an offender(s) who allegedly killed, seriously injured, or abducted a law enforcement officer and poses a significant risk to the public and other law enforcement officers. The Chief of SLED shall act as the program’s statewide coordinator.
The Blue Alert Program, established within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), is a mechanism to rapidly communicate extremely important information to the general public and law enforcement to aid in the identifying, locating and capturing of certain dangerous offender(s). This program is intended to utilize NLETS and NCIC notifications. Through voluntary partnerships with the South Carolina broadcasters, South Carolina Department of Transportation, and other organizations, the Blue Alert Program may increase the chances of rapidly capturing the offender(s) or locating an abducted officer in the interest of public safety.
In a Blue Alert event, if an offender(s) is seen or if anyone has knowledge of the identity of the offender(s), the public is warned to take caution and to immediately call 911 to provide information to law enforcement.
BLUE ALERT ACTIVATION CRITERIA
Law enforcement has confirmed a law enforcement officer has been killed, seriously injured, or kidnapped.
Law enforcement has concluded the suspect is a threat to public safety, and there is enough information to disseminate to the public to assist law enforcement in apprehending the suspect.
Law Enforcement has entered the suspect as WANTED in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database (either in the temporary felon file or the wanted person file), and if available, vehicle information has been included.
Law enforcement has determined there is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public to assist in the apprehension of the suspect.
IF ANY AGENCY BELIEVES A BLUE ALERT IS NEEDED:
Contact SLED at (803) 896-7133 (SLED personnel are available 24/7) and provide as much information as possible.
If available, send photos and vehicle identifiers to SLED.
ONCE ACTIVIATION CRITERIA HAVE BEEN MET:
The Chief of SLED or his designee will authorize the activation of the SC Blue Alert.
SLED will send a formal notification to broadcasters and other media outlets, requesting a rapid dissemination of information to the public that will include a warning for citizens to immediately call 911 and do not approach the person and/or vehicle if a citizen sees the subject, person of interest, and/or vehicle fitting the South Carolina Blue Alert description.
SLED will notify all SLED agents and command staff of the South Carolina Blue Alert.
SLED will contact the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to notify all State Troopers of the South Carolina Blue Alert.
SLED will contact the South Carolina Department of Transportation to activate their electronic traffic signage system throughout the state.
SLED will notify all applicable law enforcement agencies of the South Carolina Blue Alert.
AFTER ACTIVATION:
Any involved law enforcement should maintain contact with SLED at (803) 896-7133 to provide updates and changes (if necessary) to the alert.
Immediately notify SLED if the subject is apprehended or if the alert can be cancelled for any other reason.
CANCELLATION:
Upon cancellation, SLED will
Coordinate the removal of the subject and vehicle from NCIC.
Notify SCDOT to turn off the electronic highway signs.
Send a formal cancellation notification of the Blue Alert to all applicable law enforcement agencies, and all participating broadcasters, media outlets, and partners on the distribution list.
SECTION 23-3-1400 Blue Alert Program
(A) The 'Blue Alert Program' is established within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The purpose of the program is to assist law enforcement in the apprehension of a suspect who allegedly kills, seriously injures, or abducts a law enforcement officer by rapidly disseminating information regarding the suspect, and to reduce the suspect's ability to flee thereby posing a serious threat to the safety of others.
(B) SLED shall adopt guidelines and establish procedures for issuing a blue alert, including the rapid dissemination of information regarding suspects through the use of the South Carolina Department of Transportation's electronic traffic signage system and other law enforcement mechanisms. The Chief of SLED shall act as the program's statewide coordinator.
(C) To aid in hindering a suspect's ability to flee and threaten citizens, communities, and other law enforcement personnel, SLED shall encourage and recruit television and radio broadcasters and other organizations to assist in the program by quickly disseminating information regarding the suspect.
(D) A blue alert may be issued if:
(1) a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer is killed, seriously injured, or abducted; and
(2) the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction:
(a) determines that a suspect poses a serious risk or threat to the public and other law enforcement personnel;
(b) possesses sufficient information that could assist in locating the suspect, including information regarding the suspect's vehicle; and
(c) recommends the issuance of a blue alert to SLED.
(E) SLED may issue a blue alert upon confirmation of the requirements of Subsection (D). Upon issuance of a blue alert, information that could assist in locating a suspect may be displayed across the State via the South Carolina Department of Transportation's electronic traffic signage system and other law enforcement mechanisms. Also, the information may be disseminated to organizations assisting with the program.
(F) A blue alert may be canceled at the request of the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction or by the Chief of SLED when appropriate."
