STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY Re: Amendment of Part 11 of the Commission’s Rules Regarding Emergency Alert System, PS Docket No. 15-94, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. It is without question that the contributions made by America’s law enforcement officials are invaluable. We are reminded, time and again, that they come to our aid, without hesitation, regardless of the dangers and their personal well-being, when things look the bleakest. Today, we consider a notice that may, if implemented, help us make law enforcement personnel safer. Using a new emergency alert system (EAS) code, Blue Alerts are meant to disseminate information about injured or missing officers and suspects posing imminent threat to law enforcement officials. While some localities have used other codes for such purposes, it is a helpful exercise to understand whether a new code is needed and the potential benefits of a nationwide code. Ultimately, when, where, and how to use this code would be up to the discretion of local law enforcement agencies. They will have to make the ultimate judgment call about whether releasing such information is likely to facilitate their efforts. To the extent that America’s law enforcement officials find this helpful, I am supportive and look forward to engaging with them on this issue.