Shoot First and Ask Questions Never

Then get cleared of wrong-doing. Cops in America in the 21st Century. South Carolina: Lawsuit settled after man is shot by deputy

He shot a man in his own home, because he woke that man up in the middle of the night - he was responding to a medical alert - and the homeowner was armed while investigating a disturbance on his own property.

Then of course, the sheriff in the story LIED about what had transpired.

An initial Facebook post by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office stated that “Once the deputy (Azzara) arrived on scene, he went to the door and soon after was met by the homeowner who pulled the door open and pointed a handgun directly at the deputy. The deputy then fired his weapon, striking the subject (Tench) at least one time.”

However, the body camera video, released 45 days after the incident, contradicts the initial Facebook post. Tench is never seen opening the door. The Sheriff’s Office later retracted the statement.

When a similar thing happened to a black woman in Texas, the deputy was charged with murder.

In neither case, did the officer identify himself as police, before opening fire.

According to the lawsuit, Azzara never identified himself as law enforcement prior and never activated the blue lights or siren on his vehicle while he was at the Tench’s house.

So is $650,000 equal to Justice? I don't think so. The officer in question will not have to pay.

I get that cops have a dangerous job. But showing up at a home and shooting the first person you see is not a solution to anything. And if you show up to a home, turn on the lights, and consider the sirens as well. Yes, you will wake the whole neighborhood at 3 in the morning or whatever. That is better than shooting a homeowner because you didn't want to disturb anyone.