What is a Blue Alert?

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DALLAS – Much of Texas woke up to a Blue Alert early Friday morning, leaving many wondering: What is a Blue Alert?

Blue Alerts are similar to AMBER Alerts and are designed to help expedite the apprehension of violent criminals who have injured or killed law enforcement.

In addition to phones, the alerts will also be shared on TxDOT's dynamic message signs.

To trigger a Blue Alert, the situation must meet four criteria, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

• A police officer must have been killed or seriously injured by a perpetrator.
• The investigating law enforcement agency must determine that the perpetrator poses a serious danger or threat to the public and other law enforcement personnel.
• A detailed description of the offender's vehicle, vehicle make or sub-make must be available for communication to the public.
• The responsible investigating law enforcement agency must recommend the activation of the Blue Alert.

Blue Alerts were introduced in 2008 by order of Texas Governor Rick Perry.