SACRAMENTO – Sen. George Runner (R- Antelope Valley) today announced Senate Bill 839, known as “Blue Alert,” has been signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. The “Blue Alert”, which will parallel the existing statewide Amber Alert notification system, will be activated when a peace officer has been killed, seriously wounded or assaulted with a firearm and the suspect has fled the scene.

“When an officer is shot, quick apprehension of the shooter is critical to avoid further violence,” said Runner who also authored California’s Amber Alert. “A violent act against a police officer is a violent act against society, and that’s why I believe a Blue Alert system is necessary.”

The plan will use existing Amber Alert technology, allowing officials to send out a Blue Alert with a license plate number or a vehicle and suspect description so that the public can help authorities locate the shooter.

“Anyone who would shoot a cop is an imminent threat to other officers and the public,” said Runner who explained that California will be one of first states to implement the system statewide. Investigators could immediately broadcast information through the Emergency Broadcast System on television and radio and on the freeway signs to alert public.

A public Blue Alert website, similar to the Amber Alert website, will be created by the end of the year. Blue Alert goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2011.