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Wis. Sheriff: 911 No Longer Best Option

Milwaukee County 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.

January 28, 2013
Wis. Sheriff: 911 No Longer Best Option

Screenshot via Ed Morrissey.

1 min to read


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."

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"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.

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