But out on the street, it's up to each individual cop to decide when it's time to pull the trigger. It's a split-second decision because most police shootings occur within 15 feet of the officer and happen so fast. Wilson said officers train for three months in police college on use of force. Extra training is also available and most uniform officers take it.
Officers also carry an extendible baton, pepper spray and sidearms.
Part of the training focuses on a strategy where officers are trained to survive at all costs. But any shooting by police draws questions on the issue of justification. Civil rights lawyer Clayton Ruby said the most important measure is whether the officer or someone else's life is in danger. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.