As an old cop and vet, many times I was reprimanded for putting myself in danger, because I would never draw my weapon unless I shot something.
Yes, I do agree. It is easy to second guess situations like this and even I occasionally form an opinion based on what I read or see that is at odds with the published police version. I can only say that I'm glad I'm not in that situation. During my time in combat I practiced the 'shoot first' policy but that wasn't the same as being a police officer confronted with a man with a gun while responding to a call of the nature that is reported here in this news article.
It is a dangerous job but at the same time police officers are human and they have to deal with the fear factor. It's how the officer deals with that fear is what must be factored in, IMO. I personally believe that some officers panic and just shoot first when confronted with danger and fear and have only a spit second to decide to shoot or not and thus claim that they feared for their lives as it is usually seen as a get out of jail FREE card by the public. I do think that the police should not be allowed to be the only ones to investigate their own. There has got to be a better way to handle police involved shootings, IMHO.
I agree/
There needs to be strong civilian oversight