Why weren't Tasers used in confrontation?

Regarding "13 fatal minutes" [News, March 21], the entire story of this incident has not come out yet.

First, I cannot understand why the retired New York City cop is being questioned because he allegedly yelled "gun," when he saw Geoffrey Breitkopf carrying one. One would expect no less of any bystander, let alone a law enforcement officer. The usual First Amendment test case cited is "you cannot yell fire in a crowded theater." However, the exception is "unless there is really a fire." The NYPD cop seems blameless to me.

Second, although we don't know exactly what happened to cause the Metropolitan Transportation Authority officer to open fire, I sincerely hope he has been relieved of his gun and patrol duties until all the facts are established. Newsday's reports point to other instances of police "friendly fire" that have occurred, particularly involving plainclothes officers and detectives. I would point out that most of these cases had a similar scenario regarding a foot or auto chase of a known armed suspect, or a forced entry. These appear to be "heat of the moment" shootings that involved split-second decisions.

Third, and the most upsetting to me, is a report that not all Nassau County police carry Taser guns. If true, what is the point of this? It's the first responders who are going to have to decide to shoot or kill. There were at least two officers in the DiGeronimo household at the time of this shooting, and one of them should have had a Taser. If the Taser was not effective, the second officer would be available to use instant deadly force.

If Anthony DiGeronimo had been Tased and cuffed, Officer Breitkopf's life might not have been sacrificed. I thought that every police department from Bugtussle to Baton Rouge equipped patrol officers with nonlethal protection. Not, apparently, Nassau County.

Neil Blam

Bay Shore
 

The article makes one wonder when and where is the use of Tasers appropriate?

Chris Welsh

Wantagh