Question:
How do you tell the difference between a British Police Officer,
an Australian Police Officer and an American Police Officer?
Answer: Pose the following question:
You're on duty by yourself walking down a deserted street.
Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges at you.
You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot.
You have mere seconds before he reaches you. What do you do?
British Officers Answer:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!
There is the Human Rights Act to consider!
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Is he newly arrived in this country and does not yet understand the law?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
Am I dressed provocatively?
Could I run away?
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?
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, would he still want to stab and kill me?
If I raise my gun and he turns and runs away, do I get blamed if he falls over, knocks his head and kills himself? .
If I shoot and wound him, and lose the subsequent court case, does he have the opportunity to sue me, cost me my job, my credibility and the loss of my family home?
Australian Officers Answer:
Bang!
American Officers Answer:
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Sergeant at scene later: 'Nice grouping!
