KRS 16.179: When public alert may be issued -- Duties of requesting agency,

department, and all law enforcement agencies in Kentucky.

(1) No public alert using the Kentucky Blue Alert System shall be issued unless

requested by a law enforcement agency and, upon consultation with that agency, the

department determines:

(a) That a peace officer has been killed, seriously injured, or is missing in the line

of duty;

(b) That public notification is the most appropriate method of locating the officer

or identifying and locating a suspected offender who poses an imminent threat

to the public or other law enforcement personnel;

(c) That there is sufficient information available relating to the officer's last

known location and the physical description of any suspected off ender or

vehicle involved that could be broadcast to assist in locating the officer or

suspected offender; and

(d) The geographic area in which the notification shall be made.

(2) The requesting agency shall provide the information required by administrati ve

regulation to the Department of Kentucky State Police prior to activation of the

Kentucky Blue Alert System.

(3) If it is determined by the department that public notification shall be initiated, the

department shall notify the public and private agenci es and organizations that will

provide the notification and provide those agencies and organizations with the

information that the department deems necessary.

(4) All law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth shall cooperate with the

department in the p rovision and dissemination of information regarding any peace

officer who has been killed, seriously injured, or is missing in the line of duty.

(5) No law enforcement agency, other than the department, shall activate the Kentucky

Blue Alert System without the authority of the department.