Dear Steele,

I am convinced that our police forces can
and must do better. It all comes down to the
training - which appears in our country to be
grossly inadequate. Guns are not the answer.
There are other ways of disarming or controlling
offenders.

Dear Big Nana,

Whether offenders are armed with an axe, or a
knife - or even a gun, there are other ways of
disarming people without killing them or serious
injury. It all comes down to proper training.

If "Indiana Jones" in the movies could do it
with a stock whip,
then surely in the NT where there are plenty of
stock-whips police can do the same? (smile).

Seriously though - it is just a question of training.
People should not have to be killed - no matter what.

So far the question has failed to consider why the police would feel the need to carry guns.

Given that a major contribution to the death of the youngster was that the local clinic had been closed due to the concerns for the safety of the staff is a major red flag. If the medical staff whose sole purpose is to help the local community are subject to violence from the community how would the police feel?

That the policeman that shot the young man after being attacked by said victim was charged with murder would appear to be a knee jerk reaction, given that under the circumstances, manslaughter would be the most that any prosecution would be likely to succeed with.

However, the issuing of Tasers instead of guns would be a good idea.

SM,

Tasers are useless against a firearm and have been proven to be often ineffective against those under the influence of drugs.

Foxy,

"Seriously though - it is just a question of training.
People should not have to be killed - no matter what."

What is your solution to the problem of a criminal firing at police?
Die in the line of duty, or shoot to kill?

The police hierarchy are behind the young constable, and he will be exonerated, despite the black racism against him and the police as a whole. Oh, and the white Marxists geeing everything along.

Hi FOXY...

I'm sorry on this topic you've no idea what you're talking about, none at all. Don't tell me all about the UK policing and their training. This is a vast country, and coppers in the bush have a whole different dynamic to confront. And non-lethal weapons: Tasers, CN & CR even CR (not available in Oz) incapacitant not available in Australia, well I lived on the friggin' stuff when I was a TRG trainer. There are many limitations on the effectiveness of Tasers (trade name), better for City use in my opinion.

But I must say FOXY, all the intellectual respect I've held you in, over the years. This statement of yours, '...I'm convinced our police forces can and must do better. It all comes down to the training. FYI FOXY, I officially trained in these matters; The West Midland Police in Birmingham, the RUC in Ulster. The FBI in the USA, the Elizabeth NJ Police Dept. Including many 'ride-alongs' as an observer. On these issues, you are so wrong!

Dear O Sung Wu,

I respect your opinion. However, there should
always be room for improvement in how things are
dealt with and new training techniques can be
adapted and tried.