Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: NYC: Empire State Shooting: ALL bystanders were shot by police [View all]bakpakr
(168 posts)We as a people have determined that we see a need to have police to enforce the laws of the land and protect us. With that determination we have entrusted those hired as police officers with a great amount of trust. With that trust comes and expectation that they act in a professional manner at all times and be proficient in all the tools of their trade. We expect that they be more proficient in the use and care of their weapon than an average citizen. If in fact the trigger pull is set to 12lbs. then they are duty bound to refuse to accept the issuance of the weapon on the grounds that it is an unsafe weapon. I do not know many individuals that could safely deploy a weapon so modified in the situation that the officers faced here. The outcome that was witnessed in NY only goes to reinforce the knowledge that the weapons issued are unsafe.
I have received extensive close combat training thanks to Uncle Sam. Also I have been able to pass some of that training on. The training if adequate will get you over that "Oh Shit" moment very quickly. In fact close combat training is geared to minimize the "Oh Shit" moment. It sets you up so that when confronted with the "Oh Shit" moment, muscle memory takes over to help you do what needs to be done. The basis is extensive repetition. You repeat the skills over and over again so that they become second nature. Do we want our police trained as extensively as I and many others are? Most likely no. But the same training regimen can be and must be employed in their weapons training. I feel that the training that they receive should be Pass/Fail. They either can do it or they can't period. If they can't then sorry no badge or gun.
As for gun control. Any ban in my opinion is wrong. What I would like seen done is on all weapons sold they must have provisions built in that makes it harder to swap out a magazine thus it takes more time to reload. Not just the simple push of a button as used now. Also all weapons capable of semi-auto fire have provisions built in that slow the rate of fire. Also and this may be a bit harsh but ANY crime committed where a gun is involved in ANY manner if found guilty mandatory life with no chance of parole. No law or ban will eliminate gun violence but we can do things that when it happens gives those targeted and those empowered to enforce the laws and safety of the citizenry a fighting chance.