Catherine Kubiak-Greco, South Brunswick
I have been interested in researching shoot-don’t shoot simulators for police given what is happening currently in our society regarding police using deadly force. If civilians partake in a shoot-don’t shoot simulator for police I believe there would be a paradigm shift — more understanding and knowledge about the extreme difficulty to have to make a split-second life or death decision given highly unpredictable circumstances.
I believe that the pendulum regarding how to react when approached by a police officer has swung dangerously to what appears to be a lack of ability to comportment oneself. Consequently that can unnecessarily escalate a routine traffic stop into a dangerous situation.
I was taught that one should follow the police officer’s directions in a calm and considerate manner, not combative or aggressively. Certainly there are many variables in every situation. Civilians showing respect to the officers who are there to protect us could be a first step to ease the tension that is building in our society.
As a society it seems as if we are quickly losing the behaviors that are conducive to a peaceful existence with each other.
Every time I pass a police officer with lights flashing going towards what could be a dangerous threat I am always thankful that they run towards the danger, giving me the opportunity to run in the opposite direction towards safety. Police stand between us and dangers of violence bent on doing us harm.
Catherine Kubiak-Greco
South Brunswick
