Bent Wookie

Wow. Twelve seconds between when the cops pulled up until the first shots were fired.

This IS a lethal force encounter. There is no in between.

During those 12 seconds they drew their firearms and gave clear and concise commands. Neither officer had any cover and aside from that small retaining wall, there was nothing between them and victim. They had to be cognizant of every round- where it might go, what was behind the victim.

Are there other threats or is this just one guy wandering around with a knife. Did he just stab someone or was he in a knife fight with another potential threat?

That victim was well within a grievous bodily harm or fatal distance if he charged.

Transitioning to a taser takes some time- holster and draw. During that period, there is only one firearm on the victim. Do you hope, if he charges, your partner makes a fatal shot? What if he misses? What if they suspect doesn't go down?

Most importantly, do you guys know that effective distance of a taser? Or it's maximum distance? Depending on make and model, effective range is somewhere around 15 feet and maximum somewhere around 25. And that is at a target standing straight in front of you not moving. Add in the fact, a target moves (this guy moved a lot) and baggy clothing (diminishes effectiveness of the taser) and well, the taser isn't looking like the best option.

So that took me maybe 8 minutes to compose. Lots to think about in 12 seconds?

And WE get to sit in front of our computer screens in our fruit of the looms eating cheetos to think about this stuff. Imagine pulling up to it, in context, with everything that is occurring down there, civilians watching and videotaping your every move... 12 seconds.

Edit - I won't even get into the bodies sympathetic response to such encounters. There are plenty of good books on the subject. "On Combat" by Dave Grossman is a good start.