Roemer, Williams Increase Public Safety with Passage of ECAP

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) announce the passage of legislation to create an alert program to increase public safety when a convict escapes from custody Wednesday.

The Escaped Convict Alert Program (ECAP) would be used to alert the public to an incarcerated felon that has escaped from a jail, workhouse or correctional institution. Local law enforcement will be the controlling agency that would activate the ECAP once they are informed of the escape. 

“This legislation will help close the communication gap and to ensure that when a dangerous felon escapes custody, Ohioans are not left unaware and unprotected,” said Roemer. “The public deserves better when it comes to timely, consistent, and accessible warnings about immediate threats to their safety. ECAP will provide the timely warning needed.”

The legislation will also provide the following:

• Allows for local or regional adaptations of the alert system, ensuring flexibility for
  jurisdictions with existing programs;
• Grants liability protections to broadcasters and systems that participate in good
  faith, regardless of whether an alert is ultimately broadcast, and
• Clarifies that ECAP does not permit use of the federal Emergency Alert System
  unless expressly allowed by federal law.

“House Bill 23 strengthens our public safety framework by enabling swift, responsible communication during high-risk situations—without imposing undue liability or operational burdens,” said Williams.

House Bill 23 will now head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.