MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
You do not do it with guns drawn. If it had been your kid I can guarantee you would feel differently. Since the subject was preoccupied, they should have approached the subject from different angles out of the line of fire. This is serious business. Someone getting killed or wounded that is innocent isn't justified to catch the criminal who at this point had never discharged. Does anyone know if the real robber ever presented an actual weapon? Even if so, would if it had been a male who was dressed in the same out fit but of the race of your child, how would you feel? An officer (4 in this case) presenting a weapon that could be accidentally discharged likely was not yet warranted. Presenting a weapon in a threat of force is a serious action. Maybe you've missed the "accidental" police shootings. The officers should be suspended while an external investigation is done. Were the guns unholstered or actually aimed? We do not live in a police state. They are to protect and serve. Not scare and intimidate. There are a number of things that could have been done differently. Were their other people in the vicinity?
Pulling a gun should be the last response, not the first.
The problem is that often times it can't be determined the individual is innocent after the fact. Your "they should have's...." and assuming the subject was preoccupied leaves A LOT of wiggle room and the police aren't trained to assess wiggle room when dealing with potential subjects. People now more than ever are more aggressive verbally and physically with police. More than EVER and younger. These young guys have no clue & often react wrong. The police have to assume everyone is carrying a weapon when approaching, otherwise they will end up dead or maimed. Many Civilians are indeed carrying weapons in this day and age. I wouldn't want their jobs.