Published; July 9, 2016
Area police react to Dallas tragedy
262-306-5043 Local law enforcement officers said they can prepare and train for any possible situation, such as the one that struck Dallas late Thursday.
But they can never prepare for when it will happen — if at all.
“I’m sure they prepared at what level they felt comfortable with,” said Dale Schmidt, Washington County sheriff of Dallas police. “It’s difficult to secure all those areas. It indicates that in this country, law enforcement has to keep ramping up the security precautions for public events.
“It’s going to cost more money and more officers to ensure people can go about their lives.”
On Thursday night, five Dallas police officers were shot and killed — several others injured — during a rally protesting the latest of a series of police officer shootings involving black men in the United States. The most recent incidents took place this week in Louisiana and Minnesota.
“Obviously, it’s shock and disgust,” said Ken Meuler, West Bend police chief, of the Dallas shootings.
Schmidt said unless the president is walking down the street it’s almost impossible for law enforcement to secure any and all surroundings, including nearby buildings.
“To always keep general awareness of your surrounding,” he said when asked what he talks to his department about regarding situations like in Dallas. “It doesn’t mean you’re on high alert. ... It’s difficult to prepare for, difficult to predict.”
The growing number of police officer-related shootings has put plenty of challenges on departments, especially public perception and interaction.
Meuler said it is the “wrong perception” that police officers are the bad guys.
Schmidt admitted the officers have struggled with morale in the last couple of years. However, he tries to use these situations as a motivator.
“It makes people want to pull together more,” Schmidt said. “I’ve really strived in the last year to share with them that I believe the community is very supportive of law enforcement.”
Schmidt and Meuler each said the West Bend and greater Washington County communities are supportive of local law enforcement. They’re grateful for it.
“Our officers reach out every day to work with the community,” Meuler said. “... I have far more complimentary letters and phone calls. They support the police department.”
Schmidt’s key to his department is to not look at the national reputation and said he sincerely appreciates the support his department receives from the community.
“I believe most people are supportive of their officers,” he said. “But clearly, when big events happen like that, it’s hard to understand what it’s like to be a cop in Dallas.”
On Friday, police officers were reportedly targeted in Tennessee, Missouri and Georgia.
In Missouri, an officer was critically injured during a traffic stop.
“It’s hard to not feel like it’s not important anymore,” Schmidt added.
In general, Meuler doesn’t believe people look at police officers as villains. He also acknowledged there are problems.
“It’s more than just a law enforcement issue,” he said.
How can this be corrected? It’s hard to say.
Lawmakers are doing what they can as far as gun control, but that’s often met with criticism.
“There’s a lot of things to be learned,” Schmidt said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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