"... we recommend discontinuing outdated concepts, such as use-of-force continuums, the so-called “21-foot rule,” and the idea that police must “draw a line in the sand” and resolve all situations as quickly as possible." (Why We Need To Challenge Conventional Thinking On Police Use of Force — 5)
It is notable that the "21-foot rule" has been corrupted. Notice the comment from the officer quoted in the report:
"When I first came on, we would always use the 21-foot rule. If they’re within 21 feet, they can be on top of you and stabbing you before you react to that. But now I think they’re trying to extend that distance out even further, because I think there is documentation now that someone armed with a knife can literally run up on someone before you’re able to react to that, or already being stabbed.”
The Tueller Drill does not suggest that anyone inside 21 feet can stab you "before you can react." Rather, the drill showed how often (not 100% of the time, but often enough to be an appropriate benchmark) someone with a knife in hand can close 21 feet and stab before an officer can
DRAW his gun and make a stopping shot. If the gun is already in hand, the officer doesn't have to draw. If the suspect isn't charging an officer with a gun in hand ought to be able to wait for the suspect to move toward him aggressively before pulling the trigger. And as our resident retired LEO, WW would point out, an officer might make use of something else to provide a buffer between him and a person armed with a knife rather than shooting him.
Officers could also use more training on dealing with the mentally ill or handicapped. They also need to be trained to recognize and appropriately deal with the difference between a peacefully if obstinately non-compliant person and someone who is actually presenting a threat.
With the greatest of respect to officers, it isn't like current pay and benefits packages are going to attract the brightest or best individuals into police work. It is a tough job that needs to be done well. On the other side are some really scummy criminals who as we're seeing think nothing of killing a cop for fun or beating to death a woman or aged man for no reason than the color of his/her skin or some perceived insult or slight.
Charles