Anchorage, Alaska -- After being shot multiple times during a routine traffic stop, Anchorage Police Officer Jean Mills is recovering after undergoing major surgery today.

"Officer Mills just got out of surgery a moment ago. I think things look good for her under the circumstances, but the surgery went well and she will recover," said Chief Mark Mew of the Anchorage Police Department. APD says Mills' recovery is expected to take a significant amount of time.

Officials say Mills did everything by the book during this morning's traffic stop. But in light of two officers being shot this year while on duty, the way they do vehicle stops could change. Exactly six months ago to the day, fellow police officer Jason Allen was on a routine domestic violence call when he was shot in Fairview.

Both were working the same graveyard shift.

"No, I don't feel like it's open season on cops. However, of course, we are very mindful that this is the second time this year," said Mew.

After today's shooting of Officer Jean Mills and the January shooting of Officer Jason Allen, police are re-evaluating traffic stop procedure.

"We are always adapting our procedures and policies and we will look at this and see what we can learn from it. We change all the time. We don't want to hold still, we always want to develop. Certainly the character of crime has changed in my career- I think we have all seen that and part of what we do is trying to adapt," said Mew.

Some of the things being discussed include having two officers respond to calls or stops to protect themselves.

"There are calls that are two-person calls and there are calls that are a one-person calls. Typically a traffic stop is a one-person call. If the officer wants a second unit they can arrange to have that unit show up before they make that stop," said Mew, which Officer Mills did not do.

"Apparently Officer Mills did not perceive that a necessity when she made the stop," said Mew.

According to Lt. Dave Parker of the Anchorage Police Department, "In a vehicle stop like that, the first thing we do is call out the location and license plate of the vehicle. The officer can add any additional information that they want to at this time."

Mew says that responding to stops without backup is common and that using a two-officer system is still in the trial stage but will continue to be discussed and procedures are reviewed and possibly updated.

"This is dangerous work. The people that take this job sign up for it knowing there are risks involved. Officer Mills was doing what she was supposed to do-she was trying to stop criminals, trying to investigate what she believed was someone up to no good and these are the risks that come with the job," said Mew.

Officer Mills pulled over the unknown suspect for an illegal turn. Although dash cams are used on some Anchorage Police vehicles, there was not one on Officer Mills' patrol car.

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