If you are on patrol and someone runs hysterically to your patrol car… looking at the person hand you can see what appears to be a weapon of some sort. You know its something in their hands but you cannot make out what it is… since it’s dark. What do you do since the weapon may be directed towards you…? I mean a slit-second decision may make a difference… do you shout police… drop your weapon or do you just shoot as you may be threatened by an unidentified weapon which could turn out to be a firearm?
2007-02-23 20:28:10 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Usually if they are running toward a police car they are not trying to hide from the law. They are either directly attacking you as a person or are in some kind of situation that they need immediate help. I would keep the car between me and them and yell "POLICE STOP POLICE STOP PUT YOUR HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!!!" and try to assess the situation further if this gives you 5 extra seconds it will be well worth it. If this does continue to pose danger to me and others. I would wax them.
2007-02-23 22:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by quickgun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the decision would have to be made from aural and visual clues as well as the fact that "someone runs hysterically to your patrol car" You do not provide enough information to answer this question.
Is it a woman with ripped clothes screaming "Help Help!"? Or is it a big guy with what looks like a gun screaming "Die Pig Die!". This is why these decisions are made in the field, not on paper, and why there is ALWAYS a review when an officers weapon is fired or an injury occurs. It is also why cops deserve such respect. Honestly, from all the cops I know, it is more likely a person that is running hysterically towards your squad is seeking help than to harm.
Good luck, HTH
2007-02-23 20:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by Star 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Potential life-threatening-I would shout drop your weapon
2007-02-23 23:25:23 · answer #3 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You Identify yourself tell them to stop if not bingo,thats why I like the stun guns/tasers you can drop someone in a situation like that without the high possibility of a fatality
2007-02-23 20:32:37 · answer #4 · answered by JOHN D 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Most states now have laws to protect you, Shoot first if you feel your life is in danger. Oklahoma and Florida i know both have this law and i beleive Texas, check them out on the internet
2007-02-23 21:41:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If it's me, I'm backing the car up and away from the person until I can decide if they are friend or foe.
2007-02-23 20:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋