Why do US cops kill so many compared to European cops?

[LuckyTheDog]

Such massive disparities defy a simple explanation, but America’s gun culture is clearly an important factor. Unlike European nations, most states make it easy for adults to purchase handguns for self-defense and to keep them handy at nearly all times.

Acquiring guns illegally in the US is not much harder. About 57 percent of this year’s deadly force victims to date were allegedly armed with actual, toy or replica guns. American police are primed to expect guns. The specter of gun violence may make them prone to misidentifying or magnifying threats like cellphones and screwdrivers. It may make American policing more dangerous and combat-oriented. It also fosters police cultures that emphasize bravery and aggression.

Americans armed with less-lethal weapons like knives – and even those known to be unarmed – are also more likely to be killed by police.

Less-lethal weapon holders make up only about 20 percent of deadly force victims in the US. Yet the rates of these deaths alone exceed total known deadly force rates in any European country.

MORE HERE: http://yonside.com/why-do-american-cops-kill-so-many-compared-to-european-cops/

[tblue37]

1. KnR for visibility. nt

[yuiyoshida]

2. I wonder how much

Westerns on TV in the 1950s inspired this lawman culture?

[Octafish]

10. Stolen from Kurosawa.

[yuiyoshida]

12. Yes i Know!

I loved The Seven samurai much better, didn't you?

[w0nderer]

3. Difference in

method of training
method of selection
emphasis of training and selection (calm personalities that try to de-escalate and if needed take action)
and method of operation

this drunk (video) in the US would be
A/ carefully escorted to hospital or incarceration
B/ tazed
C/ beaten up
D/ shot
E/ kicked and screamed at

Feel free to multiple choice, the one i find least likely is A

Yes, there is a difference in number of guns on the market in Europe too
on the other hand, a knife or screwdriver or other sharp can kill equally fast at as close a range as these guys are

[LuckyTheDog]

5. Too many angry young men end up as cops in the US (nt)

[SoCalMusicLover]

7. The Laughing Cops....

This picture would have been taken after the cops had already shot him, while he was lying on the ground dying.

[w0nderer]

11. Hope you watched the movie too, give you some hope for police somewhere:-) N/t

[treestar]

4. probably an offshoot of the number of guns in our society

the cops are aware people have guns so they are more concerned for themselves and more likely to see a need for self defense.

[bbgrunt]

6. good article. k and r

[hifiguy]

8. Because in this country kkkops

are drawn from the dumbass, bottom-feeding, racist sector of society?

[JI7]

9. more guns in the US

[Rex]

13. That is obvious, because they can get away with it 99% of the time.

Plus they pretend to be para-military forces now and not peace officers.