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In reply to DamosA, doctors and other medical professionals deal with unstable people through physical restraints, hypodermic injections, calling security, or calling the cops.  Paramedics won't even respond to some situations unless the cops are "on-scene" first.  I've had to respond to calls by paramedics for help when a situation went sideways, and several times to hospitals (esp. Emergency Rooms) where a situation had gotten out of hand.  Many mentally ill or otherwise unstable people are also afflicted with the complicating factors of alcohol/other drugs.  These are not predictable situations.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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I've been reading the comments here.  First, I'm very sorry for the loss suffered by the gentleman in the discussion.  Indeed, he sounds like a saint. On the other hand, I don't see a lot of understanding or critical thought in the other comments written here.  Clearly, most of those making the comments have never experienced a life threatening situation.  Yes, I've used a Taser to subdue a man who tried to kill me with a knife.  But the Taser can't be limited to situations wherein lethal force would be appropriate.  Even a very minor encounter can quickly turn into a physical confrontation, a struggle, and a life or death struggle.  (And, contrary to what many seem to believe in these comments, it isn't always the policeman who seeks that outcome).  Finally, think on this -- every police officer carries the instrument of their own death on their hip . . . a substantial number of police who are shot every year in this country are shot with their own weapons.  Finally, as to having police officers who are qualified by intelligence, temperament and strength to handle these encounters without resort to force or deadly force . . . well, in many ways, that ship has already sailed.  You get what you pay for . . . or, as George Bernard Shaw is reputed to have said, "Democracy is that form of government in which the people get exactly what they deserve."

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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