Police Officers Pay Close Attention to 'Credible' Threat Made Against Law Enforcement Nationwide

Written by Brian McCready and Elizabeth Janney, Patch Staff

Police officers in Westchester and Rockland counties are paying close attention Monday after the Baltimore Police Department announced a “credible” threat that some of the country’s most notorious gangs have banded together to put ”hits” out on police officers nationwide.

Police officers in several local Hudson Valley departments told Patch.com Monday that the threats are nothing new and they remain vigilant at all times.

“The Clarkstown Police Department is aware of the recent threats made by gangs against law enforcement,” said police Chief Michael Sullivan in a written statement. “According to reports, gangs such as Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips have entered into a partnership to ’take out’ law enforcement officers stemming from recent police actions throughout the Country. Although the Clarkstown Police Department has not received any direct threats, we take this report very seriously and have notified all of our officers to be alert and remain extra vigilant. We will continue to monitor all intelligence reports regarding the threats.”

In a statement released Monday, Baltimore police say they have “received credible information that members of various gangs including the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips have entered into a partnership to ’take-out’ law enforcement officers.”

The Baltimore police encouraged law enforcement agencies nationwide to take appropriate precautions.

“We are aware of the threat and have reminded officers of the importance of utilizing sound policing tactics and strategies as a means to enhance their personal safety,” said Peekskill Police Chief Eric Johansen.

Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina agreed.

“The chief monitors these things carefully,” Catalina said. “We have a proactive force that is on the streets every day meeting and talking with members of the community. The chief and myself, just last week, participated in a community forum on police-community, especially black youth, relations. We do not and have not had protests and the same reaction seen in New York City to Ferguson and Staten Island incidents—and do not think we will, as we are a small community. We (police) know and respect our residents, and for the most part, they know and respect us.”

Anti-police sentiment amongst some has been building in past years after some high profile cases.

In 2014, Michael Brown was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, MO. The officer involved was not charged because he argued he was defending himself from the unarmed Brown. Also in 2014, an unarmed Eric Garner died after a police officer put the large man in a choke hold during an arrest for allegedly selling illegal cigarettes.

Earlier this month, a North Charleston, SC, police officer fatally shot Walter Scott, an unarmed black man who was running away. The officer had claimed self defense until a video surfaced showing the officer shooting Brown multiple times in the back as the victim tried to run away. The officer in that case, Michael Slager, has been charged with murder.

The BlackLivesMatter movement started in 2012 after George Zimmerman, who stalked and killed Trayvon Martin despite been told to stop by police. was acquitted.

Baltimore is the likely origin of the threats because a national rally against police brutality took place in the city in the aftermath of the April 19 death of Freddie Gray. The 25-year-old Baltimore man died in police custody from a mysterious spinal injury, which has prompted a week of demonstrations.

The protests in Baltimore on Saturday had started peaceful—and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said 95 percent of them were in that spirit—but by Sunday morning, 34 people had been arrested and six police officers injured.

Storefronts and police vehicles were also damaged. Images captured on social media of the violence included video of a man smashing a patrol car window with a trash can and angry protesters yelling directly in the face of officers.

Additional reporting by Lanning Taliaferro, Vincent Salzo, Feroze Dhanoa, Rich Scinto and Jaimie Cura.

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