Boston Police To Patrol In Pairs Following Baton Rouge Shooting
BOSTON (CBS) -- In the wake of the shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that left three officers dead and three wounded, the Boston Police Department said Sunday that all patrols by their officers would be done in two-person units.
In light of the tragedy in Baton Rouge and in the best interests of
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 17, 2016
officer safety, all #BPD patrols will be conducted by two-officer units.
The department made a similar order for two-person patrols a little over a week ago, after five law enforcement officers were shot and killed in Dallas, Texas.
Throughout the day a message went over the police radios in Boston in part it said: "All officers are reminded to be extra vigilant throughout their tour of duty."
Officers usually on foot or bike patrol were paired up in cruisers. "So right now they have to focus on safety, and making sure that officers are doubled up and traveling together and watching each other's back," said Ed Davis, former Boston Police Commissioner and WBZ security analyst.
Police said there was no known threat to Boston. But, officers are on edge.
"Officers will be much more tactical when they get a call. They'll be much more tactical when they are out driving around. And, they'll be more cautious, and I think that makes a lot of sense right now," said Davis.
It is unclear how long officers will patrol in pairs.
The message from Boston Police was not just on officer safety, but on community safety as well.
"Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community in our shared efforts to prevent further senseless tragedy," Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans said in a written statement.
Prelim rpts say 3 officers deceased in Baton Rouge, LA incident. BRIC monitoring. Our prayers are w the @BRPD and their families.
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 17, 2016
The Massachusetts State Police also reminded its troopers to also remain vigilant.
"We know that the overwhelming majority of Americans support our troopers and police officers," State Police Colonel Richard McKeon said in a written statement. "But it is just as obvious that radicalized criminals and terrorists have declared war on the guardians of democracy — the police who protect our towns and cities, our streets and our gathering spots, our nation itself."
"We will not retreat one inch from our mission to protect and serve the good people who live, work, travel, and raise families in Massachusetts," McKeon said.