Readers React: Police officers, please think before pulling the trigger

To the editor: Let me preface this by saying that I am a strong supporter of the Los Angeles Police Department. Without its brave men and women who risk life and limb every day, safety and security in our city would be more fragile. (“L.A. settles police shooting case for $5 million,” Aug. 20)

Yet is disheartening to read about the loss of life of unarmed citizens who were shot by officers. Perhaps police training should emphasize not pulling the trigger until one is positive that the target is armed.

In the heat of a police chase like the one that ended with Brian Beaird’s death, emotions run high; these emotions must be checked first before pulling the trigger. While that may very briefly expose the officer to danger, emotionally charged, trigger-happy police expose the public to a grave danger.

There is a difference between shooting in self defense and shooting an unarmed civilian.

Murray Levine, Encino