Wis. Sheriff: 911 No Longer Best Option

Milwaukee County (Wis.) Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. urged citizens to arm themselves rather than calling 911 and waiting for a police response in a radio ad that has drawn criticism from elected leaders.

In the public safety announcement , Sheriff Clarke tells residents that personal safety is no longer a spectator sport and that "I need you in the game."

"With officers laid off and furloughed, simply calling 911 and waiting is no longer your best option," Clarke says in the ad. "You could beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under the bed, or you can fight back."

Clarke urges listeners to take a firearm safety course and handle a firearm "so you can defend yourself until we get there."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett released a statement to the Journal Sentinel in response to the ad. "Apparently, Sheriff David Clarke is auditioning for the next Dirty Harry movie," Barrett said.