[img]2705|right|Chief Scott Bixby||no_popup[/img]Ever since Michael Brown fatally encountered a Ferguson police officer last Aug. 9, Police Chief Scott Bixby and his team closely have been monitoring breakouts of violence that have trailed across the country.
“We are prepared.,” he said.
Interacting with the community – “meeting with every community group I can get my hands on” – is crucial to staving off such incidents here, he says.
Question: Does this mean his officers are on the street in larger numbers and greater visibility than they used to be?
“No,” says the chief. “At our recent briefings, though, we have been talking about issues that relate directly to this kind of incident where there would be protests.
“We make sure we have the right equipment with us. We make sure we have all of our numbers regarding mutual aid.”
Mr. Bixby said that his department seeks “to be prepared for any eventuality, and help from other agencies and entities.
“Even though we don’t necessarily have more people on the street, we are prepared.
“Our detectives and others all have their equipment ready.”
Has the Ferguson experience caused you to warn your officers against potential intemperateness?
“That is one of the messages,” Mr. Bixby said. “Obviously, it is a difficult time for everybody.
“Sad to see such a divide take place. We have talked with our people. We have told them ‘Be especially careful. Some people will feel one way, others another way. Don’t take it personally. Understand that strongly as you believe in facts you have heard, other people have feelings just as strong.’
“It is important,” Mr. Bixby said, “to remind people to be extra tolerant.”
(To be continued)
