[Centurion2000]

The first lesson is to seriously consider the direct orders of those authorized to use deadly force

If that cop doesn't see a gun .... the SOB should NOT shoot.

Don't tell me how hard it is to be a cop. There is no excuse for this kind of BS.

[Diddle E. Squat]

So you are saying that even if the guy is giving off all the signs of a likely troublemaker and risk, the cop should wait until the guy draws his weapon.

I guess using the same logic you believe that Saddam is not a threat and we should refrain from attacking until he does?

[GOPyouth]

If that cop doesn't see a gun .... the SOB should NOT shoot.

So if in a situation at night a person fakes that he has a gun, wanting the other person or cop to reasonably believe that he has one, you still believe that the cop or person should "see" the gun before taking precautionary or self defensive actions?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

The question is not whether you're paranoid, but whether you're paranoid enough.

An odd tag line, considering you accuse the policemen of having been too paranoid.

[albee]

"...If that cop doesn't see a gun .... the SOB should NOT shoot..."

Better to be judged by 12 than be carried by 6!

[verity]

Libertarian lament!

[sneakypete]

If that cop doesn't see a gun .... the SOB should NOT shoot.

EXACTLY! Why is it citizens are held to a harsher standard than cops? If the cop doesn't see a gun,he has no right to shoot. If this would scare them too much,let them find other jobs.

Don't tell me how hard it is to be a cop.

I'd be willing to bet it is one of the safest occupations in America. Out of all the hundreds of thousands of cops out there,probably fewer than a dozen die each year while doing their job. Being a firefighter is a MUCH more dangerous job.

[chuknospam]

The first lesson is to seriously consider the direct orders of those authorized to use deadly force
If that cop doesn't see a gun .... the SOB should NOT shoot.
Don't tell me how hard it is to be a cop. There is no excuse for this kind of BS.

It's refered to as a furtive movement shooting, perhaps you should study up on the topic some before you pass judgement. In fact lets take a little test, say your a cop, and I am a punk with a knife and I am exactly 21 feet from you. I begin running towards you with my knife. At what distance point are you going to make the judgement that you are in danger and pull your gun to defend yourself? 2 feet 5 feet, 10 feet, 21 feet??? You make the call and I will score you.

[luvtheconstitution]

You are ignorant.

[arm958]

Don't tell me how hard it is to be a cop. There is no excuse for this kind of BS.

Not excusing the cop, but I'll bet if you spent a week riding in the back of an LAPD cruiser you would be a little less judgemental.

[shootist]

This is the kind of TRASH we hire to "protect and serve"