AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry Monday announced an executive order to help speed the arrest of criminals who flee after killing or seriously hurting a law officer.

The governor says the program -- called Blue Alert -- will help quickly spread information about suspects who flee after killing or seriously injuring officers in the line of duty.

When a Blue Alert is activated, the suspect’s vehicle information would be displayed across the state on TxDOT’s highway message signs and media broadcasts.

"Each day when they put on their uniforms, our law enforcement officers place themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve the people of Texas. In turn, Texans should have the opportunity to do their part to help these officers in their time of need,” said Perry in a news release. “The Blue Alert Program will be a powerful tool that leverages the eyes and ears of many toward the apprehension of criminals who threaten our protectors.”

The Blue Alert would be activated if:

-- A law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured by an offender

-- The investigating law enforcement agency determines the offender poses a serious risk or threat to the public and/or other law enforcement personnel

-- A detailed description of the offender’s vehicle, vehicle tag or partial tag is available