Obey police, avoid shooting

Letter authors Kathy Pintler and Jerzy Slobodow (Dec. 15) have no idea what they are talking about. They are, of course, entitled to their opinions even though not based in fact or reality.

As one whose area of expertise is use of force, including lethal force, the idea of letting someone shoot at you before one is permitted to deal with that threat only worked for Dick Tracy. Google it. Police officers do know what they are getting into, and they man- and woman-up to it every day, even in light of such ignorant and uninformed criticism.

As far as Eric Garner, this would more likely have been just another arrest out of many for him had he not resisted when informed he was under arrest. I have concerns in that case, based on the limited information I have, but they are larger concerns than the techniques used.

Having faced police guns once as a mistaken identity burglary suspect, I did exactly as told. It was all sorted out on scene and we all went home safe. I thanked them then, and I thank officers now for their professionalism.

Robert Smith

Coeur d’Alene