OKC Police Officials Speak About Safety Following Dallas Attack

<p>Police safety and security is always on the minds of the officers and their families at the Oklahoma City Police Department and other metro law enforcement agencies. But even more so Friday, in light of the Dallas shootings.</p>

Friday, July 8th 2016, 5:57 pm

By: News 9


Police safety and security is always on the minds of the officers and their families at the Oklahoma City Police Department and other metro law enforcement agencies. But even more so Friday, in light of the Dallas shootings.

“It affects everybody. It should affect the citizens. They should be tired of it,” said John George, President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police. “When their kids look at them and say, ‘Daddy, I don't want you to go to work today’ - and they get tears in their eyes cause their scared now. I mean, when officers can be targeted trying to protect you and trying to keep a peaceful society we’re headed down the wrong path.”

Over at the OKC FOP Lodge, flags are flying at half-staff to honor the five Dallas officers who died in Thursday night’s shooting in downtown Dallas. George used to be a Dallas Police officer before spending his next 25 years with OCPD.

“When I heard the news it did hit home a little harder,” said George. “But it always hits law enforcement hard when we have a tragedy like this.”

George says he feels the Oklahoma City police department needs more rifles for their officers.

“I think every officer should be able to carry a rifle,” said George. “I mean, we carry handguns, we carry shotguns - we need to have the necessary tools to protect ourselves and the citizens. If you are getting attacked with guys in assault gear and assault rifles, you can only respond in kind.”

George says the department has doubled the number of rifles in the Oklahoma City Police program, but says it's crucial they get the community's support and for them to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Flowers have been pouring in to show support for metro officers, but many are still worried about officer safety.

Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty confirms they will have an increased presence at metro marches and vigils planned for this weekend. He will also look at possibly doubling up officers on patrols in some of the city's more violent areas; something he says their gang unit already does.

"It makes it very hard, makes it hard for the community to police a community if you are always worried, on every call you take, about being ambushed, being set up - and that's a serious concern," said Citty.

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