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G26ster wrote:I speak as no sort of "expert" in the subject, so this is worth what you paid for it. My experience tells me that regardless of what one says publicly about their actions, it is not the "whole story" about what goes on in their head from time to time. I spent my combat time "in defense of others" so as far as I'm concerned all my actions were justified. That, however, does not mean that certain images, events, etc. don't replay in you head so you can remind yourself that you were in fact "justified." Yes, there are those that will speak of their actions with no apparent ill effects and firm conviction. But, you will still never know what scenarios replay in their mind, from time to time, nor any negative feelings they may occasionally have. MHO.

Maybe we're talking about different things to some extent --namely, what constitutes a psychological toll? I replay all kinds of things in my head, wondering if I did the right thing --but for those with a conscience this kind of second guessing is natural. I never stop feeling bad about it when my assessment is that I didn't do the right thing, or when I'm uncertain what the right thing was. OTOH, when I'm certain that I've done the right thing, I can usually let go of more self-recrimination and eventually dismiss the second guessing. I don't consider these normal reactions to be a psychological toll --they're just part of being human. To me, something takes a psychological toll when the mental state evoked interferes with my life and ability to function. So, for example, if an officer kills someone in a case like this, and he can no longer function as an officer because he can't be certain that in a future life or death encounter he will be able to employ his weapon, his act has taken a psychological toll.

mojo84 wrote:There is definitely a psychological toll it takes when someone with a conscience takes another person's life, even when it is justified. Hopefully, that officer will be able to deal with this and move on with his career.

Maybe that's true for some and not for others? I've never killed anyone so I can't speak to that personally, however, in his book, Chris Kyle makes it pretty clear he didn't feel any psychological toll, and he had a conscience, and he killed a lot of people. Now, there definitely would be a psychological toll taken courtesy of our media and legal system. But in a case like this the officer was not only justified, but it's highly probable he prevented this young criminal from killing someone else in the future --something the legal system was apparently unwilling even to attempt. It's also highly probable that if the officer hadn't killed him another thug would have in the not too distant future. I don't see why these officers should feel any guilt, pity, or self-recrimination for killing a thug in the midst of his thuggery.

gthaustex wrote:

philip964 wrote:oh and the kid emptied the gun.

No doubt missing his intended target as usual. What on earth was he doing out of jail? Scheduled court appearance for weapon possession and a previous recent arrest in May on attempted murder charges...

Nice shooting by the rookie.

The gun laws are only intended to destroy middle class lives, not put criminals in prison.