[EAS] [sbe-eas] Blue Alerts on FCC agenda for Dec 14th meeting

[Ed Czarnecki]

I think this likely goes a number of directions -

 

-        Some broadcasters will repurpose these BLU alerts for what they really are - news bulletins or "emergency public info" not emergency alerts.  Most will probably not broadcast them.  Some may, if there is social/LE pressure.

-        Of course, LE agencies are likely to be hyperfocused on WEA rather than EAS.  So this may be a tempest in a teapot.

 

-        Some jurisdictions may well ignore the FCC's clarification that BLU is for LEO only, and transmit for fire, paramedic, etc. (this was the stated NYC position).  That could become an interesting conversation.

-        On the other hand, the first time a BLU is really needed for non-LE personnel, policy is likely to cave and expand usage of this code for other uniformed/first-responder categories.

 

Inevitably, this will all devolve to a discussion about training resources, or lack thereof.  In this case, this is an event code promoted by the DOJ COPS program.  They should bear significant responsibility for funding and/or organizing ongoing training for BLU originators.  Not FEMA, but DOJ, for responsible originating agencies.  

 

Or (pipedream here), maybe DOJ could be told to cough up a million or two for FEMA, to fund a LE/BLU training program, which could also be seed funding for much needed overall public warning training.

 

DOJ COPS identified the problem themselves in their last filing with the FCC.  Of the small number of LEW warnings issued, most were inappropriate uses of that event code (LEW instead of Amber, LEW for test codes, LEW for a weather alert...).  If this sample portends how BLU will be used ... yeah, training is a dire need.

 

I'll share the same personal disclaimer ... almost 125 years of NY law enforcement in the family ...

 

 

From: Rod Zeigler [mailto:rzeigler at krvn.com] 

 

Thanks for posting this, Ed.
My not very Tounge-In-Cheek question is, does this open the door for Red Alerts for the Fire Service, White Alerts for EMS, Gold Alerts for dispatch, and will we have to come up with something other than Silver Alerts for Corrections since that now has somewhat common use for the elderly? Gray Alerts maybe?
My personal disclaimer again, either I or immediate family members have been, or currently are, involved with each of the above services mentioned. 
Rod

On 11/22/2017 11:41 AM, Ed Czarnecki wrote:

FCC has put Blue Alert on the agenda for the Dec 14th meeting

 

https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-347928A1.pdf

 

Basics:

-        Would authorize the new BLU event code 

-        Clarifies that triggered CAP polling is allowable under current FCC rules for non-national alerts (and we are very grateful to the FCC for putting this on the record, per our questions).

-        Specifies that Blue Alerts does NOT extend beyond law enforcement officers to include all uniformed first responders, including firefighters and paramedics (citing Congressional mandate).

-        The code will be voluntary among EAS Participants.

-        However, EAS vendors must integrate the Blue Alert event code into equipment yet to be manufactured or sold, and make necessary software upgrades available to EAS Participants.

-        Effect in 12 months after publication in the Fed Register (call that about 13 1/2 months from Dec 14th)

 

We're grateful the FCC listened to what we suggested in our Comments regarding timing and triggered CAP polling.

 

 

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Ed Czarnecki

Senior Director - Strategy and Government Affairs.

585-765-2254 ext 122 | fax 585-765-9330
Reston VA | Lyndonville NY
 <http://www.digitalalertsystems.com/> www.digitalalertsystems.com 

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