Mississippi chiefs: 'We will be there when you need us'

Therese Apel, The Clarion-Ledger

The day after a deadly attack on police in Baton Rouge that left three officers dead, the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police have issued a statement to officers around the state, as well as to legislators. 

Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police

The letter, dated Monday and signed by association president and Oxford Police Chief Joey East, offers prayers to Baton Rouge area law enforcement dealing with the aftermath of the ambush, calling it an "appalling act of terrorism against their officers."

"It is an honor to serve with individuals of such courage who sadly lost their life in the service and protection of their community. This tragic act of violence is a cowardly, domestic terrorist attack that was executed out of hate and ignorance. We as a nation cannot allow this to continue," the letter states. 

East goes on to ask that every chief in the state direct his or her officers to continue to do the work before them as "guardians," and not to allow fear to change their mission, nor to allow hate to change their hearts.

"We need to embrace our communities with compassion and patience, now more than ever," he writes. "Do not allow a terrorist to destroy the trust you have in your community, for this is what they want. We as law enforcement must set the example of how to treat people. We must be the leaders of our community and respond with love and respect for our fellow man."

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The letter states that MACP has begun researching how to better training and to identify areas that need improvement, stating that a change in law enforcement's perception has to come from within.

"We would also ask that our elected and appointed government leaders consider how they can assist us within their realm of authority. We need their support as we enforce laws they have made when we are justified in our actions and to hold us accountable within the realm of the rule of law when are not. We would ask these government leaders to consider our opinion and listen to us as professionals," the letter reads. 

The MACP then calls for legislators to choose common sense over party lines. 

"Gun laws that allow a person to open carry assault rifles in a public place do not help us," East writes. "We are not able determine the good people from the bad with just a glance and often when split second decisions have to be made. What reason would a person need to carry an assault rifle in a public place?"

The letter ends with a pledge to continue to serve and protect.

"We as law enforcement will always answer the needs of our community. Make no mistake, we will be there when you need us, no matter the circumstances. For this is what we are called to do. We will never stop serving, never stop protecting and never stop loving our communities," it states. 

Then it is signed, "Respect. Honor. Integrity. Chief Joey East, President. Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police."

SEE ALSO: Fallen Baton Rouge officer was nephew of Jackson State great 

ContactTherese Apel at tapel@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.