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The first of our two-part package on police-involved shootings and Internal Affairs investigations ran today. All told, it was pretty well received.
I did have several readers who wrote in and complained that I was an anti-cop bleeding heart liberal who never leaves the confines of my desk, but after I sent rational emails explaining the point of the story, several admitted that they based their angry opinions on the headline without reading the story itself. Sometimes, it's the little things in life ...
Thursday's portion involves two stories that my colleague Dan Geringer did on two extremely controversial cases -- one involving an unarmed man who was fatally shot in 2006, the other a teen who was shot and killed while wielding a clothing iron. Again, I hope folks understand that the intent is not to beat up on all cops everywhere who spend their days and nights sticking their necks out on the line. The fact is that the city has a backlog of shooting cases, and some raise more questions than others. Our intent was to look at some of those questionable cases and see where they stand now.
Of course, we were given a fresh reminder tonight about the danger police officers can face at a moment's notice. At least nine cops responded to a robbery in progress at 53rd and Ludlow in West Philadelphia and were met by gunfire from one of the thieves. Police officials said four cops returned fire, wounding the suspect in the arm. Clearly, though, it could have gone the other way, and we could have been dealing with a worst-case scenario of several officers being wounded.
That said, we'll see how Day Two of our series goes. (There isn't a Day Three, by the by.) As always, stay tuned.
Comments (4)
I thought it was a pretty balanced look at the subject, well done. But I will argue that a policeman has very little margin for error in making the decision, which means there will always be shootings that look bad in the light of day. I'm a Nam vet and I recall vividly how difficult it was to pull the trigger the first few times and usually had more distance. I can't imagine what it's like to be a cop with only a few feet between you and the bad guy, and only a second to make the call. Sounds a lot easier written on paper than it is in real life.
Will mistakes in judgement happen? Yes they will. But there isn't a cop alive that looks forward to going on a shift and pulling his gun. I hope this doesn't turn a already jumpy populace against the thin blue line, they have a crappy job, as 7 murders last night prove only so well.
Posted by jimmymack | February 21, 2008 9:18 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 09:18
Dan Geringer's article represented Alex Demetris as a "victim"! And he portrayed those 2 cops as murderers! His article did not focus on the Interal Affairs Investigation process! (As was the supposed intent). Geringer's article fantesized a scenario that was unbecoming of police officers. If his article was about IA Investigations, why did he feel the need to name the officers? thus putting them & their families in jeapardy? I read the entire article, I commented,and no one sent me a rational email.
Furthermore, I agree with and applaud Jimmymack for summing up just what a Philadelphia Police Officer is dealing with 40+ hours a week. Never knowing what he or she will face in the next second.
Posted by Laurie Vasquez | February 25, 2008 12:22 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 12:22
Hey daily news..You guys suck..Everytime an innocent black man is murdered on the streets you never ask any questions you just take the polices word for cause there such great people with such a hard jo right ?? Yea right ?? You guys suck..But hey its just another dead nigga right..You people should be ashamed of yourselves..
Posted by Martin lutz | February 26, 2008 3:52 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 03:52
Hey jimmymack-YeA Of course feel sorry for the police they hate to use there gun,there jobs is just so hard, gimme a fuggin break,You probably are a cop cause only cops and politicians who have to say the cops job is hard think like you.Are you that naive,They signed on to use there gun,most of them and the rest just like to bully people cause there really losers or just plane a-holes..Seriously like step outside your house and look around as ferris bueller said life moves pretty fast if you dont stop and look around once in awhile you might miss whats goin on..
Posted by Martin lutz | February 26, 2008 3:59 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 03:59