The Ohio Blue Alert, a system similar to AMBER Alert, is now in effect throughout the state.
The notification system was enacted Friday and will be used to enlist public assistance in the event of a critically injured or killed law enforcement officer in which the suspect is still at large, according to a release from the State Highway Patrol. The system also will be used in the event of a missing law enforcement officer.
According to the release, the Ohio Blue Alert was created by the Ohio General Assembly and was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich.
In order for the alert to be activated, a local law enforcement agency must confirm that an officer has been seriously injured or killed and that the suspect has not been apprehended. The agency also may activate the alert if an officer is
missing while on duty under circumstances warranting concern for the officer's safety.
According to the release, there must also be sufficient descriptive information about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding an officer's injury, death or disappearance.
Seneca County Sheriff Bill Eckelberry said although Seneca County hasn't experienced a tragedy involving a deputy, the alert will be helpful.
"I think it'll be a good thing," he said.
