Is it right for police officers to 'shoot to kill'?

Elisa (Yes)

Public outrage regarding the use of deadly force by police is often based on misconceptions regarding their actions and constitutional law. According to FBI National Associates, Inc., ‘The Supreme Court holds that when a police officer uses force on a suspect, the use of force must be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.’ Deadly force, ultimately, is part of self-defense and should be protected for all, especially the police. 

First, people need to understand how and why cops are trained to shoot people. Cops are not trained to ‘shoot to injure’ because it would not stop an aggressive subject. According to ABC News, ‘If someone's life is in jeopardy, shooting to maim or injure will have little effect on the actions of the individual who is trying to kill.’ Plus, if cops aim at anything other than the torso area, the chances of missing increases substantially. 

Generally speaking, police use deadly force not to kill but rather to stop or apprehend. Most police officers abide by this, but the media chooses controversial issues to highlight for political motivations, and they often cover the situations in a biased manner. Right now, there is an effort to “depolice” our country, but we have to remember what cops are trained to do: protect and serve people in their most desperate and dangerous hour.

Instead of punishing police and making their jobs harder, harsher punishments should be used for those who violate the law—not those following it. Finally, think of situations involving nuclear weapons, self-defense, or an event where your life's on the line—you might want the police officers in the situation to be appropriately trained in the use of deadly force.

Andrew (No)

Police do not get to decide who is guilty, and they certainly aren’t the ones who hand down punishments. It is neither their role as officers of the peace nor is it their right through any consent decree or social contract with the communities they serve. Offenders in police crosshairs are innocent until proven guilty. That is simply how our justice system works. By shooting to end the life of a suspect, police are upending the entire justice system and, in effect, lowering themselves to the status of a criminal, simply another individual ignoring the laws of our nation. Suspects must be allowed to have their day in court, and if they are proven guilty, they will be sentenced by the proper authority, not shot dead by a cop.

Police often use force when they shouldn’t. It’s no secret that police often use excessive force, particularly when it comes to minority groups. Police should not feel emboldened to take a life, but rather, in stressful situations, their training should tell them to de-escalate and use less lethal means. If force is necessary, police have a variety of less-than-lethal means at their disposal. It is well known that police often escalate situations until they are out of control, therefore making their ends justify their means.

Death is final; there is no redemption, rehabilitation, or chances to make amends. A justice system should be based on the ability to reform criminals and for them to change their ways in order to make meaningful contributions to their own lives and society. If police shoot to kill alleged offenders, this entire system is irrelevant.