I assume there are rules as to whether a cop in the USA can point a gun at someone?

Question

What are those rules?

Answer 1

I think there's a chart they carry around with them and the darker you are the more likely you have a gun pointed at you.
If you are at the darkest end of the spectrum they shoot you anyway, just in case.

Or so I've been told.

Answer 2

I don't know for sure, but my guess is that this would be covered by the rules each local police department has for their officers, and would vary from place to place. I do not know of any law that governs when an officer can point a gun.

Answer 3

I believe there are rules as to when a police officer may discharge a gun..I am not aware of any rules as to when they may pull a gun...my best guess would be "if there is a reasonable perception of imminent threat to your life or the lives of others"...which is entirely open to interpretation.

Answer 4

Usually there has to be some perceived threat for a police officer to pull a gun on someone. This can be something obvious like fleeing from the police or pulling a weapon on an officer or some situation where the officer believes that there is an imminent risk to him/herself or others.

Answer 5

I would be more concerned as to what the rules are for the average citizen to point a gun.

Answer 6

If they believe their life is in danger. They do not have to wait to see the gun, if it gets to that point it may be too late.

Answer 7

they have to be better than dirty harry MuST be some laws against shooting someone with in reason

Answer 8

Good old Dirty Harry!
WTF he looked at me the wrong way!