Local PDs reassessing safety in light of deadly police ambushes

July 18, 2016 5:41 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

WARWICK, R.I. – Police departments across Rhode Island are on high alert following deadly ambushes on officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Dallas, Texas.

Several departments are taking another look at how they handle their own safety.

State Police have reassessed and adjusted security protocols in light of everything, according to Col. Steven O’Donnell.

In Warwick, Chief Col. Stephen McCartney is encouraging his officers to work traffic stops in pairs when possible, particularly at night. "We certainly talk about officer safety a lot and their well-being is something that is a high priority in any department," he explained.

Heightened alert calls, like domestic disputes, generally call for a two-person response, according to McCartney, so calling on additional officers will be case-by-case.

Charles Wilson, chairman of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, echoes these safety concerns, at a time when racial relations are strained between police and the communities they serve. He is urging officers not to be lone rangers. "If you’re not certain about a situation, call for backup, quick,” he cautioned. “Back off until you know you have adequate backup."

Wilson says there is institutional racism that can be hard to overcome, but we have to communicate to help bridge the gap. "You cannot resolve the problems between police and the community without trust, without understanding," he explained.

Boston and other major cities are enforcing two-person patrols for the time-being.