This morning it was reported in the local paper that the 3 officers involved in the much publicized shooting of a rock throwing disturbed (and possibly suicidal) man, Antonio Zambrano-Montes were cleared by the Pasco, Washington police department and a "police consulting agency." Earlier the local prosecutor declined to file charges. More detail:
Two reviews of the fatal shooting of Antonio Zambrano-Montes determined that the three officers who fired 17 times at the rock-throwing man at a crowded intersection did not violate police department policy.
The reports, released Wednesday, clear the way for officers Adam Wright and Adrian Alaniz to return to full-time duty immediately. The third officer involved in the February shooting, Ryan Flanagan, resigned from the department in July.
One report was conducted internally by Pasco police. The other was completed by a police research and consulting agency in New Hampshire, Police Policy Studies Council.
The internal investigation found the use of force was appropriate because of the potential for serious harm or death from the large rocks Zambrano-Montes threw, according to a copy of the report.
Other investigations continue. My thoughts below the orange fleur de lis
It is clear that Mr Montes had some issues and that there were some risks to passers-by and the officers. Tasers were tried but failed to end it. However, in this incident, like so many others, the police respond with a hail of bullets aimed at stopping the problem rather than minimizing the harm. Why isn't only one officer shooting? Why not shoot, assess effect, repeat if necessary as I seem to remember from my gun training, rather than shoot till gun empty or target has fallen and stopped moving? These seem to be major training deficiencies.
Why are we not hearing from mental health professionals about appropriate response and techniques for police forces called out to address these disturbed/drugged/suicidal individuals who end up shot by police?
In looking at the comments on the article, it looks like the city turned to Smith and Wesson to assess whether the response was appropriate. Be interesting to see what the Attorney General's office has to say.