The undeniable fact is that with the thousands of police involved shootings that have occurred, there are few where the officer or department has admitted a mistake or error in judgement;  the department usually investigates its own shooting incidents and clears themselves and the officer of any wrongdoing.

     Police shootings are unique in that there is always a question of justification; the primary objective is the preservation of human life so use of force must be proportionate to the threat level.  When feasible use of force must be increased incrementally since deadly force is the final option. 

     Force must be reduced in proportion to the threat.  

     There are times when the use of deadly force is not appropriate and these usually involve situations where an immediate decision is not necessary.  These often involve subjects threatening suicide, barricaded persons, mentally ill, and other situations where deadly force has been utilized too hastily when less lethal means should be employed.