Why do police always shoot to kill?????

It's hard to answer this, mainly because I'm a bit... Wimpy... And don't like this idea. But I think the rule is, if the suspect appears dangerous, then shoot to kill. Instead of waiting to see if they are going to shoot you, take them out before they take you out. I guess that's the reason. I'm just not so sure if I agree completely. I'm a bit sensitive about people.

Police shoot to kill so criminals will understand that police should be feared. If you give them too much liberty, others will be more willing to do such horrible things thinking "Oh, okay, he'll only shoot me in the leg so if I get caught, there is no problem!" People who murder or put lives in risk should not be allowed to live with us and should not be allowed to live off of our taxes. They should be taken to somewhere where they could plant their own food and work for free until they pay their debts. Here in brazil, we have too many criminals living in small and VERY crowded jails, living off of our taxes and receiving salaries sometimes even higher than people out of jail who work just the same.

I think it is because the suspect may have a weapon hidden on him, and also he would not come against the police officer in a threatening manner unless he was sure that he had some sort of weapon that he could use to kill the officer. And also if he was willing to attack the officer, he would not hesitate to attack some innocent person. I would think if someone did not have a weapon, he would rather call the police officer names.

It is just a case of them striking before the person can strike. Granted, there's a very low chance of this happen, but shooting a person in the legs might not stop them completely from shooting back at them when they are on the ground. A lot of the incidents that police have to deal with, they can really delve right into some rather ugly situations. Then again, they get caught up in the moment, they get caught up in the pressure. And often times, they make a snap decision that is most certainly not the right snap decision sadly. There are just times where I'm sure looking at the situation logically later, it might not have been the best idea to shoot to kill. But what is done is done.

You are right that in most cases, it is senseless. Except in critical situations, is killing necessary? Police could be equipped with non-lethal weapons or rubber bullets, but they are not. Maybe real bullets are cheaper? Why must they shoot to kill? I think media plays a part too. The police watch movies and television and in most cases, what do the police do in the shows? They shoot to kill. Sad, very sad. Anyway, just my opinion. What do I know? Nothing.

Hi bjc66bjc... Where do you live ? Cz in my country, the police will give the first shoot to the air as a warning. If the suspect still keep running away then the police start to shoot his legs. And the police will try not to kill the suspect as long as there is still a way to catch him alive.

I think most of the times, specially in dangerous places they tend to care more about the people that will be affected rather than the right to live also of these criminals that they pursue. And most of them thinks that it's matter of kill or be killed.

I know in advanced countries (not here in the Philippines), police are taught not to shoot to kill but only to neutralize a threat. I have heard that police in those countries are not armed with pistols that are too strong like those of caliber 45 pistols, but only with 9mm pistols. But here in the Philippines, police are armed with M16 automatic rifles that makes them look like they are going into a war like those of Vietnam War! Plus, their poor markmanship.

Police shoot to kill because the criminal might shoot and kill them. If they didn't they might die instead.

I think shoot to kill order is appropriate only depending on the gravity of the offense committed by the suspect or depends on the situation...

I think shoot to kill order is appropriate only depending on the gravity of the offense committed by the suspect or depends on the situation...

I think shoot to kill order is appropriate only depending on the gravity of the offense committed by the suspect or depends on the situation...

They love their toys ! :\