Groups stand in support of the police outside CPD's District 3

WESTWOOD, Ohio (WKRC) - Monday was the first demonstration in the city supporting police officers.

The crowd gathered over on the west side. Megan Hodge is one of those supporters and the wife of a Cincinnati Police officer. The last few weeks have been stressful for her, her kids and her husband.

"I know from what my husband has said is that their morale is very low right now. A lot of them are afraid to do their job. They don't feel supported," said Hodge.

Monday night, a crowd surprised officers with a show of support.

"All of the officers in the building have been trying to come out and say 'hi' to everyone and say how much they appreciate the support and that it helps them get through their day, and it really helps our morale," said Sgt. Jacob Hicks.

Hicks' children held signs for their dad.

"Knowing that every day my dad's out in the field and he's helping people, it just makes me feel really good," said Isaac Hicks.

Hodge thinks it was a small group of people because some are afraid to speak up.

"Right now, the biggest voices are the most anti-police people, so there's just a lot of people in the community that support our police and they just need to not be afraid and support them," said Hodge.

Hicks said it's encouraging to know their work is appreciated.

"That people see us as individuals and know that we have the same feelings and fears as they do and we need the support just like they would if they were here," said Hicks.

[buck]

The same dumb ass kids that protest will be the first to yell for a cop and bitch when they are not around!! Just dumb ass kids!! No one pays any attention to them anyhow!!