Ohio asks residents to sign up for "Blue Alerts"

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WANE)  Ohio's Blue Alert system went into effect earlier this month and now Attorney General Mike DeWine is asking residents to sign up for notifications.

Blue Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts, however instead of dealing with abducted children, Blue Alerts notify the public when a law enforcement officer has been killed, injured or kidnapped by a criminal.

Residents can get Blue Alerts sent directly to their cell phone, email or fax machine.  They can sign up on the Attorney General's web site.

"It's critical that the public work with law enforcement in this type of situation," said Attorney General DeWine. "The goal is for residents to help officers locate and apprehend the person responsible before they can do additional harm."

A Blue Alert will be issued when there is sufficient descriptive information about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding a law enforcement officer's injury, death or disappearance.

 Once a Blue Alert is activated, authorities throughout the state will also relay the information through television, radio and newspaper, on highway signs, and through truckers' alerts.

Those with information on a Blue Alert can contact authorities by calling 1-877-262-3764.

Ohio Blue Alert information is also available on Facebook and Twitter.