"Do your job, but don't be a hero," the state PBA said in an alert to officers.
TRENTON - The New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) issued a warning to its police officers Friday evening to be mindful of their surroundings, especially off duty.
"Do your job, but don't be a hero," Marc Kover, the PBA's vice president, said in a post on the organizations's Facebook page. "Avoid any situations that are not essential to public safety or the very description of your job during these dangerous times."
"Most importantly, please take all precautions to survive your shift and make it home to your families," it said.
The alert comes in response to the deaths of five police officers in Dallas and the wounding of seven other people - one of whom was a protestor.
The post expressed solidarity with Dallas police officials and concern for New Jersey officers and their loved ones.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with the law enforcement officials in Dallas," the post said.
Amid fears that officers out of uniform could be targeted, Kovar told officers limit wearing police insignia or PBA apparel that would identify them or their family as law enforcement officers.
"We also encourage taking police shields and other police identifying articles off your cars," the post said.
"We're all in this together," the post concluded. "Protect one another and get home safe to your family."
Greg Wright may be reached at gwright@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregTheWright. Find NJ.com on Facebook.