Local law enforcement sense support in national controversy

by Alexandria Randolph

In the calm and collected environment of Marble Falls Police Chief Mark Whitacre’s office, the concept of shootings and officer involved deaths seems a distant possibility, but the three trained officers in the room remind that it’s a possibility officers face every day.

According to an Federal Bureau of Investigation news release issued Nov. 2014, 27 officers were killed feloniously in the line of duty in 2013. Out of those, at least nine attempted to defend themselves and failed.

“It’s an almost daily thing,” said Marble Falls Police Capt. Glenn Hanson, and added that while formerly employed at another police department, he and his partner used to make a routine out of asking, “Are you alright with the Lord today?”

With deaths of Eric Garner in July and Michael Brown in August, national controversy and widespread discontent over the concept of officer involved shootings has been rising to levels that have put many law enforcement entities on edge. However, Whitacre, Hanson and Lt. Steven Eckstein said the response locally towards officers on the streets has been just the opposite. 

“They’re hearing more positive feedback from the public... People have taken it upon themselves to say, ‘we’re supportive of you,’” the chief said.

For the full story see Tuesday's Highlander.