BOSTON (WHDH) - Boston police are halting the use of one-officer patrols in the aftermath of the violence in Dallas.
Police say in a statement that two officers will ride together in every patrol car in the city as a precaution “in the best interests of officer safety.”
The change was to remain in place at least through Friday.
Police also sent out a memo warning of increased hostility toward police and a number of known Boston gang members have posted public threats toward officers.
Gov. Charlie Baker also ordered the U.S. and Massachusetts flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings following the shootings that killed five Dallas police officers and injured several others.
Baker said the flags will remain lowered for five days.
The governor calls Thursday’s attack on law enforcement officers a “senseless and heinous crime,” and said he hoped the nation would come together after a tumultuous period.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement Friday morning:
“My thoughts are with the Dallas officers who were killed last night, and their families, and I’m praying for fast recovery for the injured. I unequivocally condemn violence against law enforcement officers. Whatever motivated this horrific attack, we should do all we can as a community and a nation to prevent it from inflaming existing tensions around police interactions. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, violence solves no problem but is “a descending spiral ending in destruction for all.” We can and we must work together to end all the deadly violence afflicting our country.”
Baker released a statement Friday:
“My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the innocent who lost their lives this week in Minnesota, Louisiana and Texas and I hope our nation can come together after a tumultuous and difficult period for so many across the country. Last night’s deadly attacks on Dallas law enforcement represent a senseless and heinous crime against our brave first responders who put their lives at risk every day to keep our communities safe. Our administration is in constant communication with federal and local partners to ensure the safety and security of our communities in the Commonwealth.”
Flags also at half staff at Boston Police headquarters #DallasPoliceShooting @7News pic.twitter.com/tpG81I2ipa
— John Cuoco (@JCuocoNews) July 8, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers remain with courageous men and women of the @DallasPD and the entire Dallas community.
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 8, 2016
In honor of the @DallasPD Officers killed in the line of duty, all flags on #BPD facilities will be lowered to half-staff.
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 8, 2016
In light of the tragedy in Dallas and in the best interests of
officer safety, all #BPD patrols will be conducted by two-officer units.— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 8, 2016
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