“It’s a common thread of concern: ‘Why don’t they shoot warning shots or shoot at a leg?’ “ Tournour said. “They’re trained to shoot until the threat is ended.”
Television. Citizens see “cops” shooting guns out of peoples hands after a 8 block foot chase and want a real police officer to do the same thing.
I’ve had officers shoot the gun (and knife) out of a perp’s hand (along with some fingers), but it’s not intentional.
Their eyes get locked on the threat (weapon) and that’s where the bullets go. It’s instinctive shooting and it’s a regression from training. It’s not good, but the physiologial effects of the deadly force encounter are hard to counteract except through a LOT of training - oftentimes more than departments can or are willing to give.