It's not a license to kill.
In this case an innocent man was gunned down, in his own home.
You think being a cop is an easy job?
So...because it's a difficult job, we should let them off easy when they fuck up and blow someone away?
I'd say it's time you started training them properly and holding them accountable when they fuck up. "I feared for my life" is a fucking get out of jail free card.
The answer is probably by necessity both - Who is going to want to take a job that pays shit, expects you to carry a lethal weapon, and is waiting to lock you up if you make a mistake? I have no doubts that there are bad cops out there but I don't think that most of these people woke up thinking 'Hey I'm bored maybe I'll kill somebody today!' If as a society we are going to take away the benefit of the doubt that they currently get then we also probably need to rid ourselves of the idea that a cop with a gun is going to show up and save the day. You can't have it both ways.
Viper GTS
I see your point to a certain extent.
On the other hand I don't see how cases like this one, or Daniel Shaver, or the dude that got shot because of the Swatting call, or the dude that got shot for holding a cell phone etc etc fall under the "benefit of doubt".
US cops are straight up getting away with murdering people.
The officer was not immediately identified, and was being placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
At a news conference early Friday, Dallas police Sgt. Warren Mitchell said they had yet to interview the officer and would not speculate as to whether she mistakenly entered another apartment and believed the man already inside was an intruder.
The fact that the Dallas PD didn't immediately interview speaks volumes as to how these cases are treated.
If this was a civilian they would immediately be booked, drug tested and tested for alcohol.
These assholes haven't interviewed her yet.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...t-she-mistakes-her-own-fatally-shoots-n907411
Gives her the time to sober up (if in fact she was drunk), concoct a story and get off.
Ridiculous.
Did they just happen to have all the same furnishings? Damn Ikea...
The answer is probably by necessity both - Who is going to want to take a job that pays shit, expects you to carry a lethal weapon, and is waiting to lock you up if you make a mistake? I have no doubts that there are bad cops out there but I don't think that most of these people woke up thinking 'Hey I'm bored maybe I'll kill somebody today!' If as a society we are going to take away the benefit of the doubt that they currently get then we also probably need to rid ourselves of the idea that a cop with a gun is going to show up and save the day. You can't have it both ways.
Note that I'm not saying the benefit of the doubt excuses this situation, nor any of the other egregious examples lately. The era of HD video cameras carried by everyone is going to eliminate a lot of uncertainty in these cases. But - There are still going to be gray areas, if those start falling consistently against the officers involved nobody is going to want the job.
Viper GTS
You think being a cop is an easy job?
It's not a license to kill.
Again - WTF when did I say that?
I see your point to a certain extent.
On the other hand I don't see how cases like this one, or Daniel Shaver, or the dude that got shot because of the Swatting call, or the dude that got shot for holding a cell phone etc etc fall under the "benefit of doubt".
US cops are straight up getting away with murdering people.
Making what is deemed to be the wrong decision (with the benefit of hindsight and 100% situational awareness) is not murder.
You cannot expect perfection, if you want armed police it is inevitable that there will be deaths that should have been avoided. Some may rise to crimes. Most will not.
Viper GTS
You're arguing something I never said. All the examples I brought were cops getting away with murder in situations that they were 100% in the wrong.
You said that cops are getting away with murder. I'll happily give you this one and Shaver. I'll also give you Eric Garner, Philando Castile, and Terence Crutcher. The third example you gave was completely non specific and (based purely on the ten words you gave me to work with) likely a gray area.
Viper GTS
The crazy thing is, he could've shot her for breaking in and gotten away with it too. It's crazy how many cases both people would be "justified" in killing each other.I'd say it's time you started training them properly and holding them accountable when they fuck up. "I feared for my life" is a fucking get out of jail free card.
I'm well aware of the incident yet you gave no data to tie specifically to that, and it is certainly not the only time someone has been shot with a cell phone in their hand.
Viper GTS
She should do time. Period.
She won't. Apparently they found that he had some crack sprinkled on him..
I don't think that is a thing. A kinetic weapon would not likely work as it loses energy very quickly when its large. Rubber bullets hurt but from only so far away, and don't always do enough damage to stop someone.
A taser works well but its prone to other issues. There is nothing that I can think of that has the speed and flexibility needed. Hell, even tasers kill people.
I have to agree with this. There is no story that I can possibly conceive of that can excuse for entering the wrong residence and shooting and killing the lawful resident inside. Just none. Even if he fought back, it was his right to defend his house.She should do time. Period.
What about a net gun?