Or perhaps a fully armed, nervous police officer is just as dangerous.
I haven't seen anymore reports of this in the news but it is in my mind another indictment on USA gun culture that the shooting of a 13 yo with a toy gun (not sure how authentic it is but sounds so according to that report) is seen as "the right thing".
Here's something that might help reduce the reliance on firepower to solve disturbances:
"But Rialto's randomised controlled study has seized attention because it offers scientific – and encouraging – findings: after cameras were introduced in February 2012 public complaints against officers plunged 88% compared to the previous 12 months. Officers' use of force fell by 60%.
"When you know you're being watched you behave a little better. That's just human nature," said Farrar. "As an officer you act a bit more professional, follow the rules a bit better."
Video clips provided by the department showed dramatic chases on foot – you can hear the officer panting – and by car which ended with arrests, and without injury. Complaints often stemmed not from operational issues but "officers' mouths", said the chief. "With a camera they are more conscious of how they speak and how they treat people."
The same applied to the public; once informed they were being filmed even drunk or agitated people tended to become more polite, Farrar said. Those who lodged frivolous or bogus complaints about officers tended to retract them when shown video of the incidents. "It's like, 'Oh, I hadn't seen it that way.'"
Cameras made officers more careful about using force. "It's still part of the business, they still do it. But now they make better use of what we call verbal judo."