How do you tell the difference between a UK Police Officer, an
Australian Police Officer and an American Police Officer?
By posing the following question:
Scenario Question:
You're down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.
Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the
corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and
charges. You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot. You
have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.What do you do?
Scenario answer from a UK Police Officer:
Well, that's not really enough information to answer the question! Does
the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that
would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think?
What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and
knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this
situation? Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am
I carrying a loaded gun anyway and what kind of message does this send
to society and to my children? Is it possible he would be happy with
just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me or would he be
content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could
my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-9-9? Why is
this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed
day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such
behaviour. If I raise my gun and he turns and runs away, do I get blamed
when he falls over running away, knocks his head and kills himself? If I
shoot him, and lose the court case does he have the opportunity to sue
me, cost me my job, my credibility and will I lose my family home?
Scenario answer from an Australian Police Officer:
BANG.
Scenario answer from an American Police Officer:
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
click... (sounds of reloading) BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click. Daughter: "Nice grouping dad, were
those the Winchester Silver Tips?"
So this is about right then?