Officers in Mass. React to Baton Rouge Shootings

The recent attack on police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is certainly affecting law enforcement officials in the New England area.

In Newton, Massachusetts, Police Lieutentant Bruce Apotheker, said he's deeply saddened to see three more law enforcement officers killed. And while there are still questions surrounding the details of this case, he said it's a scary time for police.

"When we signed up, we knew there were inherent dangers," Apotheker said. "We knew when we went to a domestic violence call, we may be injured. We knew when we stopped a motor vehicle out there on the street, we may get hurt and killed. But we never signed up for something like this where we're targeted."

Darnell Williams, President and CEO of the Urban League of Massachusetts said the recent killings of black men by police officer are a problem, but violence against police is not the solution.

“I think it's very, very disturbing that we have police officers that are being targeted,” Williams said. “There's no reason whatsoever to target police officers to channel your frustrations. I think that is wrong. They are the first line of defense in terms of our safety for our nation.”

Massachusetts state police released the following statement:

"We routinely remind our troopers - and did so as recently as last week - of the need to maintain a high level of situational awareness, not only for suspicious activity, but also for their own personal safety. We will reiterate that directive again this week."

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker also released a statement in wake of the shootings:

"We are saddened by the news of more violence in our communities and senseless attacks on our first responders who risk their lives for others. Our prayers are with the victims and their families in Louisiana, as well as for the safety of their fellow officers as this situation unfolds. "

Massachusetts State Police released a statement that read in part, "The Massachusetts State Police extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in Baton Rouge. We stand in solidarity and strength with every state trooper, police officer, sheriff's deputy, federal agent, marshal, and any other law enforcement professional in the United States. An attack on any of us is an attack on all of us."

Police in Boston also expressed their condolences to the Baton Rouge Police Department.

"On behalf of the Boston Police Department, I am extending our heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community effected by today's tragedy in Baton Rouge," said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans.

He added, "Although hundreds of miles away from Boston, the pain and suffering caused by the loss of these officers in the line of duty is felt deeply by the men and women of the BPD. This all too common trend we are seeing of violence against law enforcement officers who are out there each day serving and protecting neighborhoods across the country is alarming and disheartening; and as I have said before, now more than ever, we need to come together as a community in our shared efforts to prevent further tragedy."

Boston Police say they will continue their practice of sending officers out in pairs - something they have been doing since the Dallas shooting.