Different RoE for Normal Joes / Cops Appropriate?

[Great-Kazoo]

"I didn't know what was in his hand,"

WRONG see #1. Keep your mouth shut.
ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU

You gave the DA a closed case before you were arraigned.


Unless you are the one in said situation where deadly force is used. You will never know what really happened to warrant it. Sure the media and "leaked" reports will hit the airwaves. However until the full police report is accessible you don't know.
With that being said

1) ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY

2) IT is you and only you, that was in the position where deadly force at that moment in time was needed. In you mind.
IF YOU HESITATE you will be the victim.
IF YOU JUMP THE GUN (so to speak) and said threat was pulling out a map or other non threatening item. You need to assess in seconds, if that, what is and what is not a threat.

IF you felt deadly force was the only outcome who is anyone to second guess that choice. It was you or them. In you heart and mind that was your only choice, having the support of loved ones, friends and support groups will get you through those times.

One thing to remember handicapped, in a wheel chair old lady, blind person. ALL of them can or could be the one who takes someone's life.
JUST BECAUSE the appearance is one of non-threatening, to some.
CONSIDER anyone a potential threat.
When all is said and done
REMEMBER THIS
IF there is a way out (FLIGHT) Take it!!

[Ronin13]

"I didn't know what was in his hand,"

WRONG see #1. Keep your mouth shut.
ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU

You gave the DA a closed case before you were arraigned.


Unless you are the one in said situation where deadly force is used. You will never know what really happened to warrant it. Sure the media and "leaked" reports will hit the airwaves. However until the full police report is accessible you don't know.
With that being said

1) ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY

2) IT is you and only you, that was in the position where deadly force at that moment in time was needed. In you mind.
IF YOU HESITATE you will be the victim.
IF YOU JUMP THE GUN (so to speak) and said threat was pulling out a map or other non threatening item. You need to assess in seconds, if that, what is and what is not a threat.

IF you felt deadly force was the only outcome who is anyone to second guess that choice. It was you or them. In you heart and mind that was your only choice, having the support of loved ones, friends and support groups will get you through those times.

One thing to remember handicapped, in a wheel chair old lady, blind person. ALL of them can or could be the one who takes someone's life.
JUST BECAUSE the appearance is one of non-threatening, to some.
CONSIDER anyone a potential threat.
When all is said and done
REMEMBER THIS
IF there is a way out (FLIGHT) Take it!!

THIS! I see the two way street here- PD most of the time uses their weapons to defuse a situation (ask how many times they've drawn, then out of those times actually used). I treat my weapon like the Secret Service- it doesn't get drawn unless it is going to be most likely used (not 100% of the time though)... and only if there is no doubt in my mind that immediate harm will come to me or my loved ones if I don't react with at least clearing the holster. And exactly what Jim said, you keep your mouth shut. If you're ever involved in a situation where you have to use deadly force, politely request that you choose to remain silent and will cooperate after speaking with an attorney, and will answer any and all questions only when said attorney is present. The moment you utter "lawyer" or a related term (attorney, legal counsel, etc) you do not have to answer any questions whatsoever without your lawyer present.