Watch CBS News

Denver Police Union Head: Department Should Change Policies In Wake Of NY Murders

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Police Department said it's not making any official changes to protocol or procedures in the wake of two murders of New York police officers this weekend.

The head of the police union, however, said the department should.

"Our job is dangerous. It always has been and always will be. At this point in time, no changes, no plan has been developed. It makes me sad that we're not taking this seriously," Nick Rogers told CBS4 on Sunday.

On Saturday, a gunman shot and killed two officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, in their patrol car in Brooklyn. The murders were apparently in retaliation for the deaths of Staten Island resident Eric Garner and Ferguson, Missouri, teenager Michael Brown -- both at the hands of police.

Rogers said the constant protests, including those in Denver and surrounding cities, have taken their toll.

"We already had one officer almost lose his life. He still hasn't come out of the woods yet," Rogers said.

He's referring to John Adsit, a Denver bicycle cop who was struck by a car while monitoring a protest and march by Denver high school students on Dec. 3. He remains in critical condition in the hospital. Three other officers suffered minor injuries.

John Adsit
Officer John Adsit (credit: CBS)

"I never thought that we would get to that point in our country," Rogers said. "I never really did."

In a statement, the Denver Police Department said on Sunday: "We're monitoring the situation in New York and Denver officers are now on heightened alert."

Chief Robert White offered his condolences to New York officers' families.

"On behalf of the entire Denver Police Department, I offer condolences and sympathies to the families of NYPD Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, families of Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek, the  New York Police Department, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, and all those in law enforcement."

He said the department has asked its officers to stay vigilant.

"Understanding the dangers of being a police officer, I offer prayers for all officers, in that they will be watched over while they protect our citizens," White said in the statement.

Related Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.