The Los Angeles Police Department ordered officers Monday to ride in pairs while in cars after Baltimore police received what they considered a “credible threat” against all law enforcement officers.

The so-called Blue Alert went out to officers nationwide and was passed on to LAPD officers after Baltimore police warned law enforcement agencies across the country that they had gathered intelligence about a “credible threat” by the Black Guerilla family, Crips and Bloods to “take out” law enforcement officers.

Most Los Angeles police officers on patrol already ride with a partner, but the directive ensures that everyone does.

The information was relayed amid escalated tension between police and demonstrators protesting the death of Freddie Gray, a Baltimore man who suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody. Some marches have turned violent, and several officers have been injured.


The notice came as Gray’s funeral took place. He died April 19, a week after his arrest.

Follow Southern California crime @lacrimes.