SEATTLE, Washington - September 10, 2010 - As summer comes to a close here in Washington State, many citizens are disturbed at the recent wave of police shootings. In the last two weeks, there have been six people killed at the hands of police. Police shootings have happened before, but not so many in such a short space of time. I wonder if it is a sign of difficult times and desperate people, or an attitude or policy change by law enforcement?

My father (deceased) was a police officer in Washington State years ago. He was a large man (typical for law enforcement then) - 6 foot 6 inches, and police in those days were expected to physically restrain and subdue people committing offenses or crimes if needed.

Use of lethal force was a last resort. Police officers were also expected to prevent crimes from happening rather than wait until they are committed and arrest someone. For example, if he observed an intoxicated person trying to get in their car to drive home from the bar, he would stop them from doing so and tell them to get a cab or even give them a ride, rather than let them get into an accident.

Today, all that seems to have been changed. People are allowed to commit the offense and then are arrested. Also height and weight requirements have been relaxed in order not to discriminate against applicants, and as a result, many police officers are incapable of restraining or subduing an unruly or combative person without resorting to a Taser or firearm. In fact, a small male or female officer may actually escalate a situation because they lack the intimidation factor.   

I know what it's like to have a police pistol pointed at me. Thirty years ago, I worked as a bartender while going to college. After closing the club at 3:00 AM and getting in my car, I was pulled over in the parking lot and told to: "Freeze and put your hands where I can see them".

I yelled back, "Don't shoot, I'm the bartender!” There had been a break-in at a nearby clinic and I was told I looked suspicious. Obviously no shots were fired, but I was shaken. Would the outcome have been the same today? I wonder?

I question whether all of these recent shootings warrant the use of lethal force. Could there have been other ways to subdue and apprehend these people? Seattle police protocol doesn't allow shots to a leg etc. They are trained to shoot to kill. Is this really necessary?

Don’t get me wrong, though – I support the use of lethal force by police when warranted, and when other options are unrealistic. But don’t you think it has gotten way out of hand?