TheIndyChannel.com
LAWRENCE, Ind. — Police officers in Lawrence have been told they should wait for firefighters to arrive at the scene of a burning building, even if they know someone is trapped inside.
The policy change was prompted by a concern for officer safety, police officials told 6News’ Jack Rinehart.
“Whenever possible, we’ll let those professionals deal with the fire who have the right equipment, and the ability to save themselves, as well as the victims,” said Lawrence police Chief Paul Whitehead. The Lawrence Fire Department responded to more than 1,500 structure fires last year, with an average response time of just more than four minutes. The police department’s average response time is about two minutes faster, and some residents said they think officers should help out if they’re first to respond.
Read full story: Officers told to let firefighters make rescues