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BOUNTIFUL — Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Vernal illustrated the risks law enforcement officials face daily.
The Bountiful Police Department held a demonstration that exhibits the pressures officers go through on the job, particularly when they get a "high risk" traffic call.
When it comes to traffic stops where an officer knows someone may have a weapon, typically four-to-eight officers will respond.
"Every traffic stop has inherent risk of someone presenting a weapon or going through a lethal confrontation with a suspect," said Lt. Dave Edwards with the Bountiful City Police Department.
"Daily, somewhere along the Wasatch front those types of stops are being made," Edwards said.
It definitely seems like the risks have increased over the last few years (with) the number of officer-involved shootings, the number of officers being assaulted.
–Lt. Dave Edwards
So far in 2015, there have been 17 officer-involved shootings in Utah, 11 ending in fatalities. 5 of the 17 shootings happened while officers attempted to approach a vehicle.
"It definitely seems like the risks have increased over the last few years (with) the number of officer-involved shootings, the number of officers being assaulted," Edwards said.
Demonstrations held by the Bountiful Police Department give people a close-up look at the tangible risks and common scenarios officers face on a daily basis.
"It's extremely important for our citizens to understand why we use the tactics we use and what the risks that we face are," Edwards said.
Servicemen and women face their job with one goal in mind.
"I consciously make that decision, that I'm going to take those risks to make sure that you're safe, my family is safe and that my community is safe," said Edwards.
Not all of Wednesday night's scenarios involved officers firing their weapons, but some do and it can be extremely frightening. If you ever want to join a training event, you can visit the Bountiful City Police Department website.
