Would it help officer safety for police to patrol in pairs?

HeraldNet.com
HeraldNet.com - Everett and Snohomish County news from The Daily Herald in Everett, Washington

My friend suggested this to me and after some thought, I agreed: Police officers should patrol in pairs. When officers respond to a problem the perpetrator might think a little longer on how they will act. If violence is their choice the officer has automatic backup.

Would it help officer safety for police to patrol in pairs?
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