Another fatal police shootin

Von Tonner · 04-08-15, 04:50 AM

Here we go again. With the video there appears to be very little wriggle room for the officer.

On one hand I have sympathy for the officer. You are the law and should be obeyed if you tell someone to stop. By running away the fugitive is not only trying to escape but is also directly challenging the officers authority which can, human nature being what it is, make him become angry and over-react. I understand that.

But on the other hand, why fire to kill? Why not shoot for the legs or very least waist down. Why the head? If you can hit his head you can hit his legs.

As the article states the Supreme court has ruled that the law can shoot to kill a fleeing suspect only if he or she is a threat to the officer or those in the immediate area.

I think in SA our police are under similar legislation with a proviso that they have to fire a warning shot first.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/us...=top-news&_r=1

04-08-15, 04:50 AM	#1
Von Tonner Seasoned Skipper Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 711 Downloads: 44 Uploads: 0	Another fatal police shootin Here we go again. With the video there appears to be very little wriggle room for the officer. On one hand I have sympathy for the officer. You are the law and should be obeyed if you tell someone to stop. By running away the fugitive is not only trying to escape but is also directly challenging the officers authority which can, human nature being what it is, make him become angry and over-react. I understand that. But on the other hand, why fire to kill? Why not shoot for the legs or very least waist down. Why the head? If you can hit his head you can hit his legs. As the article states the Supreme court has ruled that the law can shoot to kill a fleeing suspect only if he or she is a threat to the officer or those in the immediate area. I think in SA our police are under similar legislation with a proviso that they have to fire a warning shot first. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/us...=top-news&_r=1 __________________ "Knowledge is like a lion:it cannot be gently embraced" - South African proverb