My honest opinion is that citizens should be free to reasonably arm themselves (I realize that 'reasonably' is a qualifier but this is what I actually think ought to be the case - precise details, well that takes some discussion and is a side issue).
The police (whether Sheriffs, State or whatever) should also, clearly, be able to arm themselves, possibly with somewhat easier access to firearms that would otherwise be more difficult to own or use practically (I realize I am sort of making a 'super-citizen' case here but bear in mind that we already give them powers that others do not have, subject to what follows...) however: I think they must be held to a higher standard. I think extensive training must be required in the use of firearms, melee weapons (such as batons) and unarmed hand-to-hand combat, with special emphasis on restraint techniques. I think that until they have received and qualified in such training, an individual officer must not be permitted to use them, furthermore I think there must be stringent rules on force levels for dealing with citizens who are not clearly and directly threatening the lives of others. No more shooting people who are waving swords. No more tasering of grannies who are shouting.
I especially think that treating someone who happens to be armed as if they are actually an immediate threat to your life must be stopped. I'm more dangerous with my hands, elbows, knees and feet, at an appropriate range, than most would-be pistol slingers are with their chosen weapon. No-one slams me to the ground every time I go to shake a hand because they're ignorant of these facts and it's the same ignorance and irrational fear that leads people to treat armed persons as if they are about to turn into a murderer.
The police (whether Sheriffs, State or whatever) should also, clearly, be able to arm themselves, possibly with somewhat easier access to firearms that would otherwise be more difficult to own or use practically (I realize I am sort of making a 'super-citizen' case here but bear in mind that we already give them powers that others do not have, subject to what follows...) however: I think they must be held to a higher standard. I think extensive training must be required in the use of firearms, melee weapons (such as batons) and unarmed hand-to-hand combat, with special emphasis on restraint techniques. I think that until they have received and qualified in such training, an individual officer must not be permitted to use them, furthermore I think there must be stringent rules on force levels for dealing with citizens who are not clearly and directly threatening the lives of others. No more shooting people who are waving swords. No more tasering of grannies who are shouting.
I especially think that treating someone who happens to be armed as if they are actually an immediate threat to your life must be stopped. I'm more dangerous with my hands, elbows, knees and feet, at an appropriate range, than most would-be pistol slingers are with their chosen weapon. No-one slams me to the ground every time I go to shake a hand because they're ignorant of these facts and it's the same ignorance and irrational fear that leads people to treat armed persons as if they are about to turn into a murderer.
