Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. has released a 30 second public announcement calling on the citizens of Milwaukee to familiarize themselves with a firearm and aid the police in defending life between the time they dial 911 and the time the police arrive.
Directing his comments to the public, Clarke said: “With officers laid off and furloughed, simply calling 911 and waiting isn’t your best option. You can beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under your bed, or fight back.”
He added: “Consider taking a certified safety course in handling a firearm so you can defend yourself until we get there.”
As in Texas and other states with “Castle Doctrine” laws, Wisconsin citizens under attack get the benefit of the doubt if lethal force has to be used. Especially if “deadly force” is used “against an unlawful intruder into their home, business or vehicle.”
Still, Sheriff Clarke makes it clear he is not advising people “to pick up a gun and blast away.” He’s simply looking at reality in Milwaukee County where cuts to the police force mean some people who call 911 may face delays in responses.
During he delay, Clarke is encouraging people to take the steps necessary to defend their own lives.
The office of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has openly criticized Clarke for doing this. Perhaps the Mayor’s office believes begging for mercy from violent criminals or hiding under beds is a better option?
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