Police departments across the country are paying their respects to the two NYPD officers who were gunned down in their car this weekend, and the Toms River Police Department is no exception.

Toms River Police Headquarters
Toms River Police Headquarters
(Courtesy: Toms River Police Dept.)
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Police Chief Mitch Little says he's spoken to his officers about the need for increased vigilance, but he says he also reminded them of something very important.

"I'm just warning them to be on a higher state of alertness," Little said.  "And also, remember that there are a tremendous amount of supporters out there for us."

Little says this weekend's attack also points out a very important lesson for officers.

"The downside is that the car is basically a cage," Little said.

Little says that's why it's so important for officers to always have an escape plan in place, even from their own cruisers.  He says all in all, police work is a high-risk profession, no matter where an officer is.

"It's a very dangerous job, however you slice it and wherever they are," Little said.  "Whether they're in a car, or in a building, or on foot patrol."

Little also pointed out that those dangers don't end when an officer clocks out for the night.  He says he urges his officers to remain alert at all times.

 

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