Police risk their lives every day, one was killed yesterday & several wounded in SC. Many are blown away at traffic stops or by people walking up to them sitting in a stopped car. When they stop a car that resembles a vehicle described in a BOLO they need to have control of the situation. Even in a traffic stop if someone moves quickly the LEO need to move quickly to be sure they protect themselves and the public.
Anyone who doesn’t understand that it is life and death for the police, and is living in a world where they are offended by a gun being drawn is just out of touch.
100-200 police a year are killed in the line of duty (128 -2017). Each time they stop someone it could be their turn. If during a traffic stop the people stopped are polite, no sudden moves, obey all directions, they can be quickly cleared & on their way. If not they can expect the police to put them in cuffs or on the ground while steps are taken to be sure they aren’t a threat.
God forbid we should have an intelligent and truthful discussion on the subject.
Most of those are traffic accidents or heart attacks. In 2017 of about 130 officers kill in the line of duty, 46 were shootings. I keep a list of stories where police kill innocent civilian, and there are quire a few, about one every other week. A citizen who is acting lawfully should not be killed by police.
I have a lot of respect for police, and I think that the BLM nonsense has resulted in the murder of over a dozen police officers, and those promoting BLM should be held to account. However, I am tired of the excuse I hear when police blow innocent citizens away it is because the "it is a dangerous job."
Here is a list of the top 10 most dangerous jobs:
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/04/the-10-most-dangerous-jobs-for-men.html
You'll notice police officer isn't on the list.
You know who is on the list... truck drivers, including delivery drivers. So, when that fellow from Dominos shows up at your door with a pizza, you should shake his hand warmly and thank him for his service.
Nobody questions the dangers inherent in police work. My Nephew-in-law, Deputy David Clark, was murdered in the line of duty by an illegal immigrant during a routine traffic stop in L.A.
But the problem is that police tactics emphasize way too much aggression when the job can be done less dangerously - for civilians and cops - by better training and tactics. The most obvious is always having two officers patrolling together, with one covering with the weapon's muzzle angled down, at a flank position and with a clear shot if things go South.
Nobody questions that traffic stops and entries are dangerous but there are methods to ensure the officer's safety while executing the job at hand.
My experience was with the Marines in 17 months in combat. We didn't shoot civilians or even VC suspects as long as they behaved and didn't try to fight. There were good, safe methods to apprehend and interrogate people without getting all crazy and killing them.
There were way too many incidents over the last few years of unarmed people, innocent people, surrendering people being shot and killed by cops.
We need better tactics, training, and most of all better winnowing of candidates before they are accepted for law enforcement.