It is tragic and unfortunate, but unforeseen. Not sure why cops need both tasers AND guns in civilian enforcement.
The 73-year-old reserve cop who mistook his gun for a Taser has been charged - The Washington Post
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
ya i read that yesterday.. The guy was a volunteer. thats where you say sh!t happens, but here its just too drastic
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
Irony is this that in Oklahoma (where this incident happened), you have to renew your driv lisc and get vision tested at age 70 before you are allowed to drive. But yes, they hand a gun and a taser to a 73 years old without question.
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
the right to arm yourself is undeniable but they can prevent you from driving if it is proven that you may not be able to “safely” do so…
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
Not related to right to bear arms, since this guy is a reservist: the state issued him that gun and taser. Even stupider, I know.
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
This has nothing to do with “cops”. This guy was a reserve sheriff’s deputy, which if anyone actually bothers to read the ENTIRE article, is very different. This guy was a cop 40 YEARS ago and no one needs to be a M.D. to figure out that at 73, he’s probably not the same physically/mentally today compared to 40 YEARS ago. Yet through this reserve program, he was able to take some classes (he did NOT go through the entire police academy program again) and was handed a loaded gun.
Problem here is the reserve program. They definitely need to limit people in the program to desk jobs or other duties that does not require a gun. Or if they’re carrying a gun and out in the field, put a age limit OR require them to pass a certain physical test. Like the article says, many police depts. don’t hire people as cops pass 40 and many cops actually retire by 50, and there’s a reason for that. Yet there is not age limit on this reserve program.
For regular COPS, carrying gun is essential b/c they are quite often in dangerous situations. I know that your average cop stories don’t make the news headlines but given all the dangerous situations cops face daily, it’s ridiculous to think they can protect themselves (and in many cases, others) by carrying a frigging taser.
Given a knife to a child and bad things will happen. Give a loaded gun to an adult who does not have the proper training (also safe to say guy’s age played a role in this), bad things will happen.
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
Just would like to point out, the article itself calls him ‘reserve cop’. Don’t disagree with rest of the post. If it is someone over 65 ( retirement age ), he/she should’nt be out it in the field for law enforcement.
But am sure you will agree, in the heat of the moment, the same could happen to anyone of any age. It would happen more so during middle-age, when your mind thinks you are more agile/reflexive than it actually is.
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
Yes, I know what the title says. But if you read the entire article, it gives details and actually explains what a “reserve cop” is…something that is totally different than a “cop”. Before declaring that “cops” don’t need guns and tasers because of what happened in this specific situation…it’s best to find out what ACTUALLY happened.
Yes I agree. But that is the nature of this job. This is not a cushy desk job where cops can research and really plan out what’s going to happen next. Things can change in the blink of a eye and EVERYONE’s safety could be in danger. They’re dealing with a volatile situation and must have a decision in a split second. As humans, they are not perfect and mistakes will be made. But a few situations like this that makes national headlines should not overshadow all the goods things cops do and the many situations where cops are able to save other peoples lives and their own because they were carrying a loaded gun.
BTW, did you actually watch the undercover video? The guy being investigated brought a illegal gun and then was running away from the cops. How much do you want to bet that the guy that was running away has a criminal history? The ending is unfortunate but let’s be real…this specific incident is not a case where the cops sought out a innocent model citizen and shot him for fun.
But yea…this reserve cop program definitely needs some guidelines changes.
Re: Another reason why cops dont need both tasers AND guns.
Completely agree!