US cops have to always assume that someone can be armed given the insane amount of guns and ease of access. That is directly correlated with the wide spread use of lethal force.

Cops in countries with sane gun laws, for example the UK, can safely assume the average citizen does not have a gun on them.

[–] 133arc585@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's used as an excuse. If people weren't armed, they'd find another excuse. That's what I mean by not addressing the underlying problem of police brutality and abuse of power. Also, they'll always say they thought someone had a gun even when they know almost for certain the person didn't, because they know you'll buy it.

[–] Redrum714@lemm.ee 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What other excuse? Guns are literally the main issue…

You can have the best police training programs in the world, but if the population is heavily armed and unregulated you’re still going to have ton of police shootings.

Of course they always say “thought we saw a gun”. Guns are so numerous they have to assume the worst else the chances of getting shot goes way up.

[–] PowerCrazy@lemmy.ml -3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Maybe the police shouldn't use the presence of gun as an excuse to start shooting people? Especially in a country with more guns then people?

[–] MatFi@lemmy.thias.xyz 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I thought the excuse to use guns is the presence of black color and all the other cops got shot by present guns

[–] Redrum714@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago

I’m sure police would love the idea of just getting shot first lol