A sheriff from southwest Ohio is urging employees with concealed carry licenses to bring their firearms to work. The recent attacks on officers have prompted Butler County Sheriff, Richard Jones, to urge civilian staff members to carry their weapons while on duty at the Sheriff’s office and while operating department vehicles while performing off-site duties.
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Recent ambushes on police in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Milwaukee prompted Jones to issue a memo to all staff on Friday afternoon urging them to take the necessary precautions necessary to protect themselves. The memo asked staff to plan their attire to allow them to carry their weapons discretely and unnoticeably. He also urged the importance of complaining with all state, local, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to concealed carry.
Jones is advocating for increased awareness not only among office staff but for officers as well. He has warned officers to never consider any calls “routine” and to exercise extreme caution on every call. He told officers:
“You always have to be observant. Look and see what’s around that car. You just never know. You have no way of knowing who you are stopping.”
Jones also commented on a recent surge in support from the community. He said that the recent attacks has led to an increase in communication between community members and police which has in turn strengthened the police departments ties with the community. The sheriff’s office has been flooded with deliveries of food, cards and letters of support. He believes in supporting what he calls “community policing” where law enforcement officers not only enforce law and regulations but become active members of the community. He feels that building strong relationships with civilians and correcting the publics perception of police through positive interaction is the key to a safe and secure community.
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