The Denver Police Department should be commended for changing shooting at cars, forbidding officers from shooting at a moving vehicle unless deadly force is being used against them.
This change comes a few days after District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said no criminal charges would be filed against officers in the shooting and killing of 17-year-old Jessica Hernandez.
The new policy falls in line with best practices for police work and recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum.
Shooting at a car can result in too many problems. For one, it won’t stop the car. It could put the officer or others in further danger, and could inadvertently harm people other than the driver.
New York has not allowed shooting at moving vehicles for years, and there have not been any problems, said Denver Police Chief Robert White, citing a study by his department.
The first reaction for officers should be to get out of the way rather than pull a firearm, White said.
The tactic has been employed at departments around the country, and could have helped Denver police avoid a tragedy.
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