Local officers are on alert after several shootings over the last few weeks.
Quad City officers are given a warning, "Lets hope that it's not open season for officers in case that it is. As always look sharp act sharp be sharp," said one officer.
That's the message in East Moline, but its in the back of the minds of officers throughout the area. Sheriff's Deputy Mike Mendoza has worked for Rock Island County for 15 years and he'll tell you the hardest part about his job is the unknown.
"You just never know who you're going to encounter, if they're having a good day or a bad day," said Deputy Mendoza.
However, it seems like the unknown is proving to be dangerous as several officer were shot and killed in the line of duty over the last few weeks. The most recent shooting happened on Tuesday morning in Fox Lake, Illinois.
"Where it happened today I actually went to school with a couple of guys that work in that area so first thing you think about is if its someone you know," said Deputy Mendoza.
Whether he's making traffic stops or looking for people with warrants out for their arrest, Deputy Mendoza says you always have to stay a step ahead, "Everyday its a concern. I try to treat everyday the same whether there's a shooting in our hometown or across the united states. I just try to stay on my toes as best as possible and be prepared for the unknown."
So far this year, America has seen 26 officers shot to death since the first of the year.