Local police on edge following NYPD assassinations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police officers in Philadelphia's the 6th district and around the city got words of caution before they headed out on patrol today.

Those words included reminders to wear their body armor and to stay vigilant when it comes to their own safety.

The assassinations of those two officers in New York is on every cop's mind today. It was the work of a single madman, but the fear is there may be copy cats lurking out there.

The community and officers have been on edge for weeks in the wake of the grand jury decisions not to indict officers in the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, and Eric Garner in New York.

There have been frequent marches, like one in Philadelphia Sunday night. And there has been anti-cop rhetoric.

John McNesby, the head of the local police union, says Philly cops are on edge.

He explained the approach officers need to take, saying, "Extra, extra careful. Especially in these times. It's a very fragile time."

McNesby says the red hot rhetoric that's been fanning the flames doesn't help. But he says Philadelphia police are better equipped than most to handle it.

He credits the community policing concept for support from the community.

The protests here have been peaceful with very few arrests. McNesby says many of the participants aren't even from here.

McNesby says, "You always have professional hate mongers that are out there. Professional people who just want to stir up trouble. And our officers on the street have done a great job standing tall throughout it and keeping their cool. And they're going to continue to do that and we're going to stand behind them, and we need the community to stand behind them also."

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey is also calling on the protesters and people on both sides to tone down the overheated rhetoric.

Ramsey tells us, "It's unfortunate, but hopefully this tragedy now makes everybody take a step back and think about what they're doing - think about what they're saying. This is a time for thoughtful discussion."

A portrait of murdered police officer Daniel Faulkner dominates the wall outside the 6th district - a daily reminder for the officers to be vigilant at all times.