NJ Police Unions Debate Whether Officers Should Wear Police Related Apparel Off-Duty
WOODBRIDGE, NJ (CBS) -- As law enforcement officers nationwide deal with racial tensions, one of New Jersey's largest police unions is telling members to watch their backs off duty.
The New Jersey State Policeman's Benevolent Association sent a message to members saying:
"When off-duty, we are recommending that you limit wearing police insignia or PBA apparel that would make you or your family a target for those looking to harm law enforcement officers. We also encourage taking police shields and other police identifying articles off your cars," said Marc Kovar, NJSPBA Executive Vice President.
While some officers have begun making those changes, leaders at the other main union the NJ State Fraternal Order of Police say not so fast.
"If you start taking things off that you're proud of and taking things away from your normal life - you're now letting the terrorist win and we can't have that happen," state Robert Fox, president of the NJ State FOP.
Fox says one of his main messages to officers after the Dallas and Baton Rouge attacks is to always use back up, even in seemingly tame situations.