Do we have some LEO FReepers who might care to comment on this situation, and on the general disrespect for cops that seems to come through?
You are imagining disrespect. The only thing i disrespect here is the repeated low quality of the investigative work at every stage of this process, (FBI, INS, Boston PD) and i absolutely disrespect the spray and pray technique.
The ineffectiveness of it is clearly demonstrated in it’s lack of results. This is true in spades after the second “shootout” where the perp was -actually unarmed-. Several hundred rounds fired at close range, in two encounters. And they could not connect with the bad guys.
This happens with alarming regularity on the coasts. NYC has its shootouts that can only be described as amazing. (and not in the good way) The LAPD just did it with those hapless paper ladies. Thankfully their shooting was just as poor.
Review the Texas shootout with the Colorado prison warden killer last month. It ended right there. Review the lengthy record of fine marksmanship on violent felons out in Albuquerque.
Out west, front sights are found to be quite useful gadgets.