What the cops are supposed to do, IMHO, is consider this:
IF is the operative word, IFS dont mattter, because they are unknown. Deal in the known and current THREAT. if a kid is running away with their back turned to you, that is not a threat.
you dont know that and the cops dont know that at that time
everything is happening so fast.
Its great to be a monday morning armchair quarterback and assess the situation after its done.
its like those weekend sport warriors in front of the TV set yelling at the quarterback why did you throw that pass in double coverage, meanwhile they dont see that the quarterback left tackle missed his block and the Linebacker making a beeline towards the QB is about about to plant him the QB like WWE wrestler on the turf.
Split second decisions are not the same as having time to analyze the situation.
not really the same thing. quarterbacks walk away. This kid will never have the chance. Thats what they are paid to do, make those decisions. and the decision to shoot a running 'suspect' in their back is a poor one.