Ed Davis Calls Sniper Attacks On Dallas Officers 'Unprecedented'

BOSTON (CBS) – Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis called the deadly sniper attacks on Dallas police officers "unprecedented" and said the incident could change the way officers protect themselves at large events.

Davis, a security analyst for WBZ-TV, reacted after 12 Dallas officers were shot by snipers following a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally. Five of the officers were killed.

"This is unprecedented in American law enforcement in my experience. It will change the way we look at these things," Davis told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker.

Davis said it's possible that in the future, police officers at large gatherings may need to start protecting each other by using clearing techniques for high rise buildings.

Related: Massachusetts Officials React To 'Senseless' Attacks On Dallas Police Officers

The former police commissioner said the cost of policing large events has gone up significantly in recent years.

Davis said it's too early to tell how much planning may have gone into the shootings.

"It would seem that way that this was a planned event, but it can be put together very quickly if someone has the equipment, which is not hard to get in this day and age, and if they have the experience or training," said Davis.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports