Police departments across the country are ordering officers to pair up after ambush attacks left eight officers dead in Texas and Louisiana, a precaution that could slow response times to low-level crimes and drive up overtime for already exhausted police.
Some agencies that normally let officers patrol alone began forcing them to double up throughout their shifts, even during meals or other breaks during their shifts.
Los Angeles police assigned members of specialized crime-fighting units to back up officers responding to routine calls. Baltimore police began sending two squad cars to every call received. Dispatchers in Denver urged officers to travel in pairs indefinitely and “keep their head on a swivel” to protect themselves against the new threat. Police in Fort Worth extended the order beyond their uniformed officers to plainclothes detectives and high-ranking supervisors.
The new safety measures are some of the most intense since the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, said Darrel Stephens, executive director of the Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association. Los Angeles also ordered more of its helicopters to patrol the skies. Officers elsewhere were told to keep their guard up, especially around police stations. It was unclear when operations would return to normal.
“You’re on the street eight, 10, 12 hours. Remaining with that heightened sense of alertness for that entire time is a pretty big challenge,” Stephens said. “Doubling up those officers helps them keep track of each other and helps them feel a sense of safety.”
It was unclear whether the buddy system might have prevented Sunday’s targeted killings of three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or the July 7 killings of five officers during a Dallas protest march with a heavy police presence.
In some cities, doubling up means less police visibility and geographic coverage on the streets because putting two officers in one car means others stay parked. Some departments have compensated by asking officers to extend their shifts, further straining those already on overtime from long nights of protests.
In Denver, two officers already respond to most calls, either together or in separate cars. But response times could end up slower for lower-priority cases, like thefts, that typically require just one officer.
Two-person patrols are the safest approach, but “what we’re seeing is the two-officer cars are responding to everything, so there are fewer cars to handle the calls,” said Denver police Sgt. Bryan O’Neill, vice president of the city’s Police Protective Association. “Our two-man cars are going out and working as quickly and effectively as they can, knowing that the calls are going to stack up. They don’t want to see the citizens suffer because we have fewer cars out there.”
Two-officer patrols are not a fool-proof solution, and studies are mixed about their effectiveness. Seven of the 51 officers killed in 2014 were in a two-officer vehicle, according to FBI statistics.
But if an officer is shot, a two-person patrol usually ensures the second officer can radio and get help, said Peter Moskos, a former Baltimore officer who teaches law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
But two-officer patrols are difficult to sustain for departments short on money and manpower, said Officer Robert Swartzwelder, president of the police union in Pittsburgh, where the chief called for fewer single-officer cars patrolling neighborhoods.
Most police departments will continue to focus resources on high-crime neighborhoods, in spite of manpower constraints, Stephens said.
Some officers said a strain on resources is worth it to improve officer safety during dangerous times. The shooting of an officer in Milwaukee Sunday as he sat alone in his police cruiser should be seen as proof of the buddy system’s value, said Mike Crivello, who heads the Milwaukee’s Police Association union.
“When there are two officers, obviously it’s double protection for both of them,” he said.
The Milwaukee officer was wounded and undergoing surgery Monday. “Had he had a partner, the other one would be watching out,” Crivello said.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The targeting of policemen is going to result in many more deaths. And it won’t be the cops who are dead. They will learn to protect themselves. They’ll update their tactics and be less exposed to criminal gunfire. And of course two things will happen. Some areas will receive far less police presence/enforcement. And when the police are present they’ll be more likely to shoot the suspect and ask questions later. Bad boys, when the cops come for you you’d better not even look like you’re holding a firearm. You’ll end up in a body bag in the morgue. This is the new norm.
I agree. When you are in the presence of a cop, don’t make any quick moves or do anything to draw attention to yourself as it may be the last thing you do.
Good decision for the police departments to use double patrols. It will definitely help. I saw good example of this in Mobile, Alabama after Hurricane Fredic in late 70’s as I remember. Dam thugs were going store to store breaking out windows and stealing everything in sight. I saw Several Officers stop at those locations, but the crowd quickly turned nasty and threating. Better part of valor took over and officers left scene. Later that day martial law was implemented with orders to shoot looters on sight. All Officers were doubled up. It was amazing how peaceful the area became when 2 officers stepped out of car and 12 ga. shotguns went clunk de clunk. I am sure I will be called racist and bigot for this statement, but my job required that I was in that part of town for two day and I can honestly say I never saw any looters except blacks.
I have always been thought the cops are your friend. I still strongly feel that way. I have cops in the family and many cops as friends. I also understand rules. Things have changed and cops are throwing their life away rushing to help people claiming to need help. They don’t ask color but rush to help all. From now on they should wait for back up and not rush to be the target of a gang. Have the gun ready so they can get the first shot off. This also goes for fire and rescue workers. The number 1 thing should be to go home to your loved ones. These people deserve or respect and support and the gangs and killers don’t. If you’re on the other side of the fence next time you need help call BLM or some other gang and see were that get you.
Forget desk work, rotate those in the Field, hire more cops, boost pay.
Boost benefits.
Have police cadets co patrol streets.
Wear body armor.
Host Reward Fund for X felons.
More body cameras issued.
Use the Aux., I understand many departments don’t allow them to carry weapons but the would make a great pair of second or even third eyes.