Expert warns police self-defence call may backfire
A crime and policing expert warns the call for officers to defend themselves when confronted with the barrel of a gun could be misinterpreted.
Johan Burger's comments come after the National Commissioner Fannie Masemola told cops at this week’s Policing Summit not to hesitate to retaliate when under threat.
Burger warn while the call is right, it could make some officers feel they're above the law. " They become involved in a situation where they are uncertain and then be encouraged by the words of the national Commissioner and think that what, whatever happens, they will be protected by top management in the police service because the National Commissioner said they shouldn't hesitate.
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"I'd be very careful if I was the national Commissioner to make a bold statement like that, that they should not, police officers should not hesitate to use deadly force," he warned.
The call comes amid national outcry over police officers being killed in the line of duty.
However, Burger says alternative strategies need to be considered to better reduce crime and prevent the unnecessary use of force.
"So I think apart from what the police do or should be doing, we should also look at the public. Those members of the public will often protect some of these criminals rather than assisting the police. Perhaps something that politicians should be working on in terms of ensuring that we get the necessary support by members of the public.
"From time to time we hear those messages, but I don't think we hear that often enough," he said.
