Bradenton, Fla., police officer hailed for pistol whipping burglar rather than using deadly force

[True Dough]

5. I think that is a valid statement

Our perception is skewed because what makes the news is incidents where excessive force is used. I'm glad there is a lot of publicity geared toward that issue, however, because it does occur too often, IMO. More has to be done to ensure improper police conduct is reduced and when it does occur it must be dealt with harshly. I'm not talking about occasions when a police officer's life is legitimately in jeopardy and he/she pulls the trigger, and then the general public scrutinizes whether a better alternative existed without feeling the heightened anxiety of the situation or having a mere second or two to make a critical decision.

I'm referring to police having suspects subdued but then continuing to pummel the individual in anger or retribution.

That said, it's still the minority of cases where such things take place. We can easily lose sight of that based on having the ugliest of cases reinforced once a day or so in the media.