The deadly ambush of police in Dallas is prompting law enforcement in the St. Louis area to take precautions to better protect officers.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Sam Dotson says he is taking steps to “maximize the safety of officers” throughout his department.
They include:
- All on duty officers working in pairs until further notice.
(That includes police, park rangers and marshals.) - All personnel leaving stations for law enforcement duties will be required to ballistic vests
- Supervisors and Commanders will make sure officers follow the revised guidelines.
Chief Sam Dotson stl police 1.27.15 Dotson has been with the department since 1993. He became chief in 2012.
Credit Katelyn Petrin | St. Louis Public Radio intern
In a Twitter post, Dotson says the regulations are effective immediately and until further notice.
The St. Louis County Police Department tells St. Louis Public Radio that its officers have always “been required to wear ballistic vests any time while on duty.”
The department also released the following statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers killed in the line of duty in Dallas, the officers injured in the line of duty, their loved ones, the Dallas Police Department, and law enforcement professionals nationwide.
The St. Louis County Police Department will continue to protect and serve the citizens to the best of our abilities, just as we do every single day. Our officers are trained to use the utmost caution in any situation they are presented with."
The St. Charles County Police Department provided this statement:
Safety is a key priority of the St. Charles County Police Department. Officers remain aware of their surroundings at all times in an effort to protect the community and themselves. Due to the recent events in Dallas, all officers have a heightened sense of awareness; however, the job of a law enforcement officer is dangerous on a daily basis. We remain vigilant today and always.
At least five police officers were killed in Dallas when a sniper opened fire following what had been a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally.
