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ANCHORAGE - The Anchorage Police Department's top officer says he wants the public to know APD does not have a “shoot to kill” policy. Police Chief Mark Mew’s words come on the heels of two fatal shootings by APD officers – shootings that have many in the community questioning how officers deal with aggressive and armed people. Chief Mark Mew says the policy for officers who have decided they must shoot their weapons is to go for the center of mass – usually the torso. While often lethal, Mew says the idea is to shoot to stop the danger - not, shoot to kill. "A lot of it is communication. A lot of what I have heard from folks is we didn't know how the police worked, we didn't know what to expect from the police. So, I guess, I am trying to help there,” said Mew. Chief Mew also says APD never decides if a shooting involving one of its officers is justified or legal – that is always left up to the state Office of Special Prosecutions. |
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Outtatowncop said on Monday, Jul 16 at 4:46 AM
Midgardian and others, if there were two officers on the scene and both prepared for a confrontation with the suspect then, yes, non-lethal is appropriate. An officer alone, or even multiple officers that are confronted by suprise, have a responsibility (often overlooked by non-police) to ensure our weapons don't fall into the hands of the criminals. For that reason, this officer alone, or with help, did the right thing. I have personally seen pepper spray and tasers fail on multiple occasions. Would you really have wanted to leave it to chance that this guy with the stick got his hands on the officer's pistol or worse rifle or shotgun? Lastly, please remember that, like you, officers have spouses and children we want to go home to at the end of our shifts. We aren't paid to get beat up or die for you. We are paid to protect you while keeping ourselves safe at the same time. If you think that's easy, I defy you to try it.
96505356Propolice said on Thursday, Jul 12 at 3:50 AM
The vast majority of people in Anchorage are behind the officer and his actions. If people wield sticks in public...it's scary to think of the abuse that may be going on behind closed doors...to include substance abuse and domestic violence. If all foreigners can do is gripe...then go back to your "civilized" country.
96151055Anonymous said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 11:30 PM
what happened to the days when the guys dressed in white showed up? lol...the cops need to hire a team of them...;)
96141881unreal said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 8:41 PM
Non-Lethal deterrents first, give me a break, why should the cop have to risk death or serious bodily injury because someone decides to act out, its a job most won't do Midgardian, how bout you do a ride a long and see what it takes.
96136196Anonymous said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 4:21 PM
well if it's not policy why practiced so much? me thinks one protest too much Chief of Death...
96122006Lol said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 2:41 PM
Learn how to spell stupid!!!
96115886Anonymous said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 1:31 PM
hows that federal protologist going APD??? lol...
96110525jj said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 9:49 AM
Thank goodness that the cop who shot the Islander was not white or there would have been an uproar and Rex Butler would have his mug all over the media due to racial violence. Instead of trying to change the cops tried and proved behavior, they should change their cultures behavior. Act like a rabid animal, get shot like one.
96088816Lawdagw said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 5:43 AM
the law is the law it dose not bend for any one not me not u any type of action used to subdue a law breaker is the right way.
96066646Midgardian said on Wednesday, Jul 11 at 2:37 AM
Three words: Non-lethal deterrents first.
96055256anchScanner said on Tuesday, Jul 10 at 9:51 PM
Please try to understand someone before you judge their actions. It doesnt mean they are right, but sometimes there are reasons why things are done certain ways. Especially in law enforcement. And of couse understand public commenting areas are room for lots of bad judgement calls.
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