Warning-shot policy not sound

By CLINT DOHMEN

Redondo Beach, California

As a Los Angeles police officer who lived in Japan for six years, I was sad to learn of the death of a Tokyo police officer. That the death could have been prevented makes it more saddening. Although the use of firearms in Japan and Los Angeles are affected by different sociological factors, police firearms policy anywhere must be based on sound tactics and safety. Firing "warning shots" is neither a sound tactic for an officer nor safe for the public. Every bullet goes somewhere. If a "warning shot" goes into a wall, skips off the ground or goes into the air, it has the potential to hit an innocent person. In a country as densely populated as Japan, this is especially true.

A firearm should only be used as a last resort in the immediate defense of the life of an officer or member of the public. When that situation arises, the officer must be trained to react immediately to stop the actions of the suspect. Not doing so could mean not going home to one's family after work.

The Japan Times: Dec. 12, 2001

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

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Letter 2 of 5 in READERS IN COUNCIL, December 12

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