Boston Police takes precautions after Baton Rouge shootings

Boston police officers will work in pairs in the wake of Sunday’s shooting in Baton Rouge, La., that left three officers dead and three wounded, according to Boston.com. This procedure started after a dozen officers in Dallas were shot, five of them fatally, on July 7.

The department said on Twitter, “As we monitor the incident in Baton Rouge, our officers are reminded to use caution and remain vigilant in their patrols.”

According to the Boston Globe, Police Commissioner William B. Evans encouraged the city to unite. “Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community in our shared efforts to prevent further senseless tragedy,” Evans said on Twitter.

The shootings in Baton Rouge had no known connection to Massachusetts, State Police Colonel Richard McKeon said in a statement Sunday.

“We routinely remind our troopers — and did so as recently as last week — of the need to maintain a high level of situational awareness, not only for suspicious activity, but also for their own personal safety,” McKeon said. “We will reiterate that directive again this week.”

According to patch.con, Boston has seen no high-profile police shootings in recent years, and in general has reported fewer police shootings than most major U.S. cities. Supporters say that is a testament to improved policies and strong community ties, although many in Boston’s predominantly black neighborhoods say the trust is still not there.

“We will not retreat one inch from our mission to protect and serve the good people who live, work, travel, and raise families in Massachusetts,” McKeon said.

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