Use of deadly force is subject to harsh scrutiny

Re Tough calls at street level,” Opinion, July 19

Terry Hara left out one important reason police officers exercise the utmost restraint in their decision to use deadly force. Besides their intense and continuous training, every officer on the force has witnessed the public’s microscopic scrutiny and condemnation whenever the police shoot and kill a suspect.

Common sense dictates that anyone would be inclined to avoid a situation that would certainly bring about an unwanted barrage of protracted investigations, public criticism and criminal or civil liability. I applaud those courageous police officers who have the strength of character to set aside any personal interests to do the right thing in any given situation.

Anne Raine

Venice