Dallas police probe shooting of mentally ill man

Jordan Brewer Article 1

Nomaan Merchant San Antonio Express News October 18, 2013

 http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/texas/article/Dallas-police-probe-shooting-of-mentally-ill-man-4906549.php

Category: Police shooting armed man who was later determined mentally ill.

Level: State/local

What is this article concerning: When is it appropriate for an officer of the law to shoot a person.

How does this article affect families or individuals?
Over the past couple of years there has been a huge ordeal whenever a police officer shoots and kills someone they deem dangerous.  This article is just another example, some might say the officer could have been able to take the suspect into custody without opening fire, but if he had tried that, then there is the possibility that he could be a danger to the rest of the public.  This situation plays a huge role in the safety of the public whether it is families or individuals.

My opinion on the subject:
The article states the man was bipolar among other serious mental illnesses and was also bearing a knife.  It is unfortunate that the situation went down the way it did but I honestly don't see any other way it should have been.  There were differences within the police report the shooter made and the actual video evidence, and in this case I do believe the officer should be punished for not being 100% honest.  We all know of the corruption within police stations, I know personally because my sister is in the police force and tells me some of the unfortunate behavior of a few of the bad ones.  That aside, if a man with bipolar disorder who is not currently on his medications stands up 20 feet away from you with a knife then I know first hand that I would most definitely shoot him.  Maybe not shoot to kill, but at least shoot to wound enough where the man is no longer a threat.