Mar 3, 2008

Officer Shoots Suspect On Graphic Video

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , |
[6] Comments 

This terrifying video (CAUTION:  GRAPHIC) shows that for officers, things really do happen in a split second.  I commend this cop for surviving.  I also caution that we always have to watch videos carefully.  What I mean by that is at first (and second) glance, I did not see the gun in this video.  I did not see the suspect’s deadly threat.  Others might miss that too.  Having said in a prior post that I think video will save the cops in the end, we have to remember that even an eyewitness video needs to be studied, not just watched.

 

Jan 26, 2008

Off Duty White Plains Cop Killed; Tragic Lesson

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , , |
1 Comment 

I don’t plan on detailing every officer killed in the line of duty here.  Several non-profit websites like this one that take care of that dreadful task.

This story out of White Plains, New York does bear mention.  There are far too many like it, and perhaps we can all learn from this awful tale.  The story usually goes the same.  An off-duty cop pulls his gun to do something worthwhile, like stop a crime in progress.  Problem is, the on-duty cops are already on the way.  When they arrive, they mistake the off-duty cop for a crook, and shoot a person they believe is a “man with a gun” suspect.

The lessons here are two (and neither is intended to criticize officer Ridley, who was acting in the highest regard):

First, all officers must decide what is, and what is not, worth getting into when off duty.  We have no backup, no uniform, no partner, and no radio available.  We also might be in a jurisdiction where the police don’t know our face.

Second, if you do get involved, put your gun down immediately when the cops get there!  Many agencies across the nation have suffered this tragedy – hopefully we can prevent another catastrophe with some education and training.

Rest in peace, officer Ridley.  Your service will be remebered.