LETTERS

Look to non-lethal means to disarm suspects

Posted 12/18/14

To the Editor:

Our country is currently experiencing a series of protests both peaceful and violent from the use of deadly force by a few law enforcement officers. The serious incidents that …

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LETTERS

Look to non-lethal means to disarm suspects

Posted

To the Editor:

Our country is currently experiencing a series of protests both peaceful and violent from the use of deadly force by a few law enforcement officers. The serious incidents that preceded this current national turmoil beg for a review of the trained protocol used by officers when faced with a suspect who may or may not show intent to harm the officer.

It is understandable that the reason many officers are wary when responding to a suspected felony in progress is that some will experience serious harm in the discharge of their duties. Approximately *150 officers are killed in on-duty incidents yearly. Also, there are approximately *60,000 assaults perpetrated against them resulting in some 15,000 serious injuries. With this frame of mind, they may take a strong defensive tact yet still that should not warrant the use of unnecessary deadly force.

Many, including our president, are asking that clip on video recorders be required for most of our patrol officers. This may only be a partial solution, as they can be turned on and off by the responding officer so they may not be as reliable as first considered.

There are now some non-lethal methods available to disarm and arrest a suspect. There is also is a need for new technology to uncover better means to safely disarm and subdue a suspect and have both officer and suspect’s safety maintained.

Bob Sweeney

Warwick

* National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (nleomf.org/facts/enforcement)

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  • JohnStark

    Bob, New technology is a must. But here are a few emerging practices that have proven successful. First, do not rob a convenience store. Second, do not assault the owner of said convenience store. Third, do not get high and walk down the middle of the street. If, however, you do rob a convenience store, assault the owner, get high and walk down the middle of the street, Fourth, go to the side of the street when a police officer asks you to do so. Fifth, do not attempt to take the officer's gun or assault the officer (they hate that). Sixth, halt if the officer yells "Halt". Seventh, and finally, do not charge the officer (they hate that, too). Caution: Following these emerging practices may very well result in fewer candlelight vigils, during which time peaceful protesters demonstrate their desire for "calm" by throwing bottles and bricks at police.

    Thursday, December 18, 2014 Report this