A new public threat alert system is active beginning today, Thursday, Sept. 22, the Michigan State Police reports.
(MLIVE)– The system is meant to alert residents of a public threat, defined as a clear, present, persistent, ongoing and random threat to public safety such as an act of terrorism or an unresolved mass shooting.
Upon activation by law enforcement, the Emergency Alert System can be used to interrupt radio and television broadcasting in the affected region. A Wireless Emergency Alert can also be issued through mobile carriers, which will appear on mobile devices similar to a 90-character text message, MSP said.
MSP said the Public Threat Alert System will be activated by the its Operations Unit upon request of law enforcement, when these criteria are met:
• A specific and identifiable threat exists that is not a natural disaster
• The threat is immediate and ongoing
• The threat impacts the safety and welfare of the general public
• The suspect(s) have not been apprehended and remain a threat to public safety
• An area-wide broadcast via the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) has been issued
• Sufficient information to protect the public from danger is available to disseminate
(PhotoCredit: Scoopnest)