I think most police use a policy where they escalate their own force based on the attacker. If they use a fist, they can deploy their baton (I don't even know if these are used anymore) or a taser. If they have a knife, police use a gun. In all circumstances, officer safety is very important, which is why they draw their weapons when there is no indication of violence. A guy with a knife at a distance is different than a guy with a gun at a distance.
There is certainly consideration for alternatives to shooting a guy, but only if time and safety of themselves and others are on the side of the police. If attacked by someone with a knife, the police will shoot to kill. Same goes for an officer who feels their life is in danger against an unarmed attacker.
It is looking like Michael Brown was approached by the police after committing a (violent) crime, and according to witnesses and autopsy results, may have attacked the officer. At this point all we know is that the officer determined his life was at risk and fired his weapon.
I would require evidence indicating anything else occurred, which I have certainly not seen. Police officers deal with bad people daily and if they really wanted to shoot someone they would have many opportunities.
The ensuing riots are terrible.
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