Corporal Chris Davila said the ambush in Dallas is just another reminder of what they may deal with at any moment.
“You’ve got to keep your head on a swivel. It’s all you can do is just watch your surroundings,” he said.
Friday, he and other deputies swept through the Moon Lake area of Pasco County, looking for serious code enforcement violations and criminal activity.
“Every house is different some are happy to see us, that we were out here trying to clean up the neighborhood. And others will close the gate when we walk up,” said Davila.
These deputies said the majority interaction with people goes smoothly.
And whether you are in your home or your car, Detective Monte Schuler said cooperation with law enforcement will keep both sides safe.
“A lot of people want to be offensive to us we are just out there doing our job,” said Schuler.
If you are licensed to carry a gun, you aren’t required to tell police that you have one in a car during a traffic stop. But they said they would like to know, so there are no surprises.
“If they want to help us out, and at least keep us mindful. Because if we do actually happen to look in the car or something and we do see it, and they are not telling us about it. Then all of a sudden, we kind of have that heighten sense of alertness and awareness,” said Schuler.
Deputies said during traffic stops, don’t make any sudden movements, keep both hands on the steering wheel and open your windows.
“We don’t know who you are or what you are capable of doing,” said Davila.
During Friday’s sweep, there were problems, but it’s the unknown that causes these deputies to be on edge.
These days a dangerous jobs seems even more dangerous.
“You think that nothing can go wrong, and it just breaks out. You never know. Every day you leave your house and you never know what’s going to happen if you are going to come home,” said Schuler.
