The JFC gave the Department of Justice the go-ahead to develop a crime alert network to provide information regarding suspected criminal activity, crime prevention and missing or endangered children to state agencies, law enforcement and the public.

The motion, which passed 16-0, allows the DOJ to charge an unspecified fee to members of the private sector who wish to participate in the network.

The network was included in the DOJ's original budget request. It is estimated to cost $98,800 in 2009-10 and $98,300 in 2010-11, and will be paid for by the fee.

-- By Greg Bump