Shoot/Don't shoot

[Freethinker]

Interesting blurb on the local evening news.

http://www.nbc24.com/Global/story.asp?S=5636300

I have my own ideas, but I thought I'd refrain and let the commentary start.

["shazbat"]

Interesting play at "what if"
The FATS systems are very state of the art.
I worked for them briefly in '89 when they were young and growing but already had a good reputation for providing scenario training systems for police and military.
Some scenarios feature the same actors but with different twists to the plot just to keep you on your toes.
Not all police officers receive extensive crisis training with hard and fast rules relating to collateral damage, acceptable shoot/no shoot scenarios as it relates to possible body count etc.
In this day being a policeman is much more than just pounding a beat and writing tickets.
I don't envy them the choices they may be called to make in the blink of an eye.

[Freethinker]

I completely agree that our law enforcement officers need this training in order to be effective on the streets. No doubt.

I find it interesting that the local news would carry this story. The new CCW laws in Ohio mean more law abiding citizens on the street, and this type of "training" would be invaluable for armed citizens.

["shazbat"]

Not familiar with the new Ohio law.
I agree that a raise in ccw may present problems for police from carrying hotheads.
What type of requirements are in place prior to issueing a permit?
Probably no more than a basic "handling" course.
I believe in the right to own arms, to protect ones property, family and self.
The thought of one in a traffic jam with accute road rage though is scary.
Places an extra burden upon our already heavily burdened law enforcement officials. Police have enough difficulty in todays world to walk the fine line between too little and too much force as it is.
A Georgia town, Kennesaw, has a law requireing all property owners to own a gun, though it is not a permit to carry of the confines of the property.
It was at one time statistically shown to have reduced the number of robberies and break-ins.
I own a couple handguns and have considered a carry permit. I guess discretion has thus far prevented me from it.
I recall an earlier age when gentlemen wore swords and challenged one another to duels of honor. It was deadly serious and the best hand generally won, not necessarily the one morally right.
The same is true of the "Old West". Real romantic till you realize all the poor sod busters gunned down property disputes and drunken misunderstanding.
I hope there are some good checks and balances in place because it will be a shame for what are otherwise law abiding men to make criminals of themselves over a moments rage or mis-step.

[nelson]

That looks like valuable training, familiarizing people with incredibly difficult situations, I agree it could help citizens too. All too often I see police officers getting hammered and even going to jail for making understandable decisions, called mistakes by some, judgments by others. To think a slight mistake on the part of a government employee who isn't compensated as much as they should be could result in their incarceration - what a job. Thank goodness for cops.

I carry a weapon and have concealed permits from FL and VA. In Virginia we have state background checks prior to purchasing, can only buy one handgun per month, and are subject to various other rules some of which are probably good and others which are just silly. I think gun laws are too complicated, varying by state and locality as well, which IMO hurts law abiding citizens more than it does the criminals who don't abide by laws in the first place.

["shazbat"]

That looks like valuable training, familiarizing people with incredibly difficult situations, I agree it could help citizens too. All too often I see police officers getting hammered and even going to jail for making understandable decisions, called mistakes by some, judgments by others. To think a slight mistake on the part of a government employee who isn't compensated as much as they should be could result in their incarceration - what a job. Thank goodness for cops.

Agreed. A policemans job is difficult enough without worrying about being arrested himself for doing his job.