Advice to police was laughable

Re “Don’t shoot to kill” letter by Kathleen Parks.

I read your letter and would like to help you with your town’s police procedures, as it pertains to loaded weapons. I called the Suffolk County Police Department and asked about your assertions that the police had to write reports if they drew their “unloaded guns” from their holster, put a bullet in the chamber, and were instructed to shoot the person in the leg.　

According to the duty officer - after she stopped laughing - said, of course the officers’ weapons were always loaded, and no, shooting someone in the leg would be unnecessarily dangerous because in case of a miss, innocent people could be harmed.

In your reference to the tragic situation where a man who was shot in the back by a police officer, I assume you mean the Charleston incident. Please note that the officer was stationed in that town while in the Coast Guard and decided to join the police department there after his discharge. It is very important to note that he is originally from New Jersey, not South Carolina.

It is very irresponsible to put out inaccurate information. You do a great disservice to those who would protect you in a bad situation.

I was in the United States Marine Corps infantry, and I know that during your stay in my great state of South Carolina, there are countless law enforcement officers who will do their professional duty to ensure your safety.　

Y’all enjoy your visit; just keep your facts straight.

The writer lives in Murrells Inlet.

This story was originally published November 13, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Advice to police was laughable."