Sen. Terry Johnson praises creation of Escaped Convict Alert Program

COLUMBUS – State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) praises the creation of the Escaped Convict Alert Program, enacted by House Bill 23 and signed into law by Governor DeWine on Dec. 1.

"I was proud to swiftly pass this legislation through the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee," said Senator Johnson. "It is critical that information on escaped convicts is made readily available in a time-sensitive manner.”

The Escaped Convicts Alert Program will allow law enforcement to issue alerts, similar to amber alerts, to assist in the identification and location of any person convicted or pled guilty to a felony offense who has escaped from incarceration. House Bill 23 also grants liability protections to broadcasters and systems that participate in good faith.

"Ohioans are owed safety," added Senator Johnson. "And while I have full faith in our law enforcement, every second counts in dangerous situations. The creation of this program will allow for the people of Ohio to be better informed about any threats to them or their community."

Senator Johnson represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont and Scioto counties.

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