A slightly different opinion
When I was young, the unstated dictum from the "old timers" was that "the attacker had better be dead and have a weapon of some kind in his hand". I always thought that this was a macabre rule they gave to us young guys so that they could feel they were tougher than we were. As I've grown older and watched the system, I realized there was a lot of truth in what they were saying.
A second thing I feel should be stated in this discussion is this. If you are involved in a shooting and the police officer arrives, the first thing out of your mouth when he or she asks what happens is..."with all due respect officer, I want an attorney". This has always run contrary to how I have been taught to think about police officers but they have an agenda and your agenda should be that it's best to protect yourself.
Enough said...watch your 6 o'clock gentlemen!
A retired Texas Ranger put it this way to me (of which I fully agree) "Use what force is needed to stop the situation--even if it means emptying all 15 rounds into his body."
A Nueces County Deputy told me this: "After you shoot him, drag the body inside (your home)."
Some times the English Language is poorly interpreted as being the opposite of the intended phrase.
Someone saying the attacker better be dead and have a weapon in his hand might be thinking how complicated it gets. Rule one is criminals always lie. Rule two might be that obvious is best on the police report. Rule three might be that it is better to avoid a confrontation if at all possible. Last rule might be that you might get frightened easily and not really be in danger - be sure you really were in danger.
So: A policeman advising you not to shoot unless very definitely in fear of your life might word it “he better have a weapon in his hand” (inferring -- or things are going to get really complicated).
And the person listening might think -- he is hinting that I should put a weapon in his hand. (Usually wrong - he did not say that) (Bar room chatter says he said that - after the third time it circles the bar - and those listening all give the Diane Cannon sinister laugh).
Often a policeman is just telling a person the truth. Avoid shooting if there is any other way. (Or you might be falsely convicted -- or you might be broke from paying lawyers -- or you might have a clean shoot and feel guilty for the rest of your life --- and the other million stories).
Big city police go from call to call. Often people are frightened or angry and indignant. Sometimes police try to give condensed advice from an almost burned-out perspective. The evening shift breaks up numerous bar room fights where minor injuries are involved and drunk witnesses tell or avoid telling them a story. Seldom do they see someone dead except in drunk driving accidents?
The statement “if someone is dead he better have a weapon in his hand” sounds different to me. Police often show up seeing the victim laying on the ground, or injured. Police normally arrest the guy with the fewest injuries. “Because bullies pick their victims”.
Fortunately the criminal usually has an arrest history. Usually he has been arrested many times and the policeman that shows up has chauffeured him to jail previously. Sometimes the supressed smile does not mean he is happy he is dead, only the same small smile each time he was the reason for the call.
It would be a shame if the victim gets worried and plants a weapon on him - then forensics only shows hairs, oils and prints from the victim, on the weapon. But it has happened I hear. Some 45 years ago I did know of a policeman in a prison I was working that used a drop gun, and was convicted for it. It was probably a clean shoot but I never heard. And accidents happened back then from cocking revolvers in stressful situations.
Your first job is to not be the victim. Your job is to protect yourself and yours. Not listen to internet rumors or bar room chatter that has been retold for perhaps hundreds of years. Some I first heard in the 1950’s. Long before computer arrest history and DNA testing.
Do not listen to old stories. Except check your flint and keep your powder dry, if that is all you have. And if you can trade it for a cap and ball it is better. Having your powder in brass shells is best.
Blood blisters abound.
