Let police be police

The police are not out of control. Citizens seem to believe they have a right to arm themselves in any situation, even if they happen to be drunk.

Being armed, they believe they have the right to confront anyone around, including armed police officers.

The police are doing what we ask of them. Protect the public. Friends and relatives of suspects shot by police say the “suspect” would not hurt anybody. When confronted by armed police, why didn’t they drop their weapons? Would you have the police walk up to an armed suspect and say, “Excuse me, sir/madam. Are you planning to shoot/stab/beat up me or this citizen?” Maybe they should wait until somebody gets shot to respond.

Don’t prevent crime, react to it. But then the victim’s family and friends would scream that police didn’t protect the victim, like we pay them to do. Sounds like a “no-win” to me.

Kenneth Jones

Bonners Ferry, Idaho