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Loved ones of fallen Officer Dia ask police dept. for new rule

Anthony's Rule would require officers to ride in pairs while responding to incidents.

TOLEDO, Ohio — There's a group of people requesting a new rule which would have Toledo police officers ride together in pairs versus by themselves. 

This comes after they learned officer Anthony Dia was alone on the night he was shot and killed. 

"There are several areas in the city that are one-man car areas. I've been here for 30 years. We've had one-man cars for 30 years. It's the more none intercity areas. But we have a policy that when we send a one-man crew, especially like that, we send two," Toledo Police Chief George Kral said.

On Tuesday, concerned loved ones began asking the Toledo Police Department to look into ways officers can be accompanied in the future. 

"I'm actually fearful of law enforcement nowadays. And it's just a different world we live in today," said Florence McLennan, who is the chair for Toledo Neighborhood Block Watch. 

RELATED: Community lines the streets to honor fallen Officer Anthony Dia

RELATED: 'He died protecting Toledo' | Chief George Kral and Officer Anthony Dia's father discuss the young man who died a hero July 4

Following the death of Dia, that fear has prompted a group to ask the department for a new rule that would be called Anthony's Rule after the fallen officer. The rule would require officers to ride in pairs while responding to incidents.

On Tuesday, Dia's cousin, Moustafa Rahal, took his request straight to officials as he spoke to a crowd at the officer's 

"I've been reading a lot about Anthony's rule and for the people in charge around here, I hope you guys really take it into consideration," Moustafa said. 

Meanwhile, those visiting the memorial on Tuesday were also advocating for change. 

"Definitely would think especially during the 3rd shift that a two-man car should be run. But I mean normal day patrolling and stuff like that, single man you know would probably be the way to go," Sulie Abdelkarin said. 

"If there are two people in a car, there's always back up. One person isn't trying to handle everything on their own," McLennan added. 

Kral has already taken action but it's still unclear what the future holds. 

"Since this incident, I have suspended one-man cars for a while. I mean obviously it can't be forever but we're looking at ways that we can try to make sure our officers remain safe," Kral said. 

Concerned mourners are now waiting to hear about those ways while also hold others accountable. 

"Love to see people show them some more respect. You know. When they pull you over on the side of the road you know do what they say. Cause they're worried about their safety too. And they don't know what's going on. They don't know what you have in the car. They don't know who you are," Abdelkarin said. 

WTOL 11 reached out to TPD to ask if they were considering the rule, but we have not heard back yet. We will keep you updated if anything changes in the next coming days. 

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