(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 a suspect 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.
HISTORY: 2012 Act No. 124, Section 1, eff February 27, 2012.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 23 - Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Chapter 3 - South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Section 23-3-10. Creation, chief and personnel of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Section 23-3-20. Bond and oath of chief and agents; reappointment.
Section 23-3-25. Assignment of personnel; divisions.
Section 23-3-30. Supervision of security personnel employed by State.
Section 23-3-40. Recordation and classification of fingerprints taken in criminal investigations.
Section 23-3-50. Revenue from certain fees and licenses to be remitted to State Treasurer.
Section 23-3-55. Expenditure of revenue.
Section 23-3-80. Repealed by 2011 Act No. 69, Section 16, eff January 1, 2012.
Section 23-3-85. Confidential communications.
Section 23-3-110. Creation and functions of statewide criminal information and communication system.
Section 23-3-115. Fees for criminal record searches; charitable organizations; school districts.
Section 23-3-140. Effect of Article on disclosure of information.
Section 23-3-150. Grants and appropriations; contracts with public agencies.
Section 23-3-200. Creation of Center; use of FBI file.
Section 23-3-210. Definitions.
Section 23-3-220. Chief of State Law Enforcement Division, generally; employees.
Section 23-3-230. Promulgation of regulations.
Section 23-3-240. Submission of missing person reports to Center.
Section 23-3-250. Dissemination of missing persons data by law enforcement agencies.
Section 23-3-260. Responsibilities of Center.
Section 23-3-270. Notification requirements when missing person located.
Section 23-3-280. Release of information.
Section 23-3-310. Improper release of information; penalty.
Section 23-3-320. Missing Person Task Force.
Section 23-3-330. Endangered Person Notification System.
Section 23-3-410. Registry; contents and purpose; cross-reference alias names.
Section 23-3-420. Promulgation of regulations.
Section 23-3-436. Registration of persons adjudicated delinquent.
Section 23-3-437. Removal of certain juveniles from registry.
Section 23-3-462. Termination of registration requirements.
Section 23-3-465. Residence in campus student housing.
Section 23-3-470. Failure to register or provide required notifications; penalties.
Section 23-3-475. Registering with false information; penalties.
Section 23-3-490. Public inspection of offender registry.
Section 23-3-525. Notice by real estate brokerage about obtaining sex offender registry information.
Section 23-3-530. Protocol manual for sex offender registry; contents.
Section 23-3-540. Electronic monitoring; reporting damage to or removing monitoring device; penalty.
Section 23-3-550. Assisting or harboring unregistered sex offender; penalty.
Section 23-3-600. Short title.
Section 23-3-610. State DNA Database established; purpose.
Section 23-3-615. Definitions.
Section 23-3-620. When DNA samples required.
Section 23-3-625. DNA samples of missing persons.
Section 23-3-630. Persons authorized to take DNA sample; immunity from liability.
Section 23-3-660. Expungement of DNA record; grounds for requesting.
Section 23-3-670. Cost of collection supplies for processing samples; processing fees.
Section 23-3-680. Promulgation of regulations.
Section 23-3-690. Promulgation of regulations for processes regarding samples.
Section 23-3-810. Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit established; duties.
Section 23-3-1200. SLED electronic monitoring system; collection, storage and use of information.
Section 23-3-1400. Blue alert program established; adoption of guidelines and procedures.