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They knocked. They announced they were police. They had uniforms on.
Police don’t just turn the lights and siren on for every call. Not sure where that idea started. There’s usually a state code section that dictates when officers can turn on their lights. It also activates cameras and you get to review (there are three cameras in my car and one on my chest) 4 hours of video for a 1 hour domestic. Now multiply that by how many cops show up. Supervisors don’t have that time.
Now I have used my flashlight to illuminate myself especially when there are windows etc facing out and it’s dark. That’s a good idea for cold knocks. Calls for service when the occupants know you’re coming is either not necessary or stupid tactically. I’ll illuminate myself for the domestic violence suspect with a gun. Not a great plan.
Remember in the cops mind they’re there for a domestic, no one is answering and they were trying to unfuck it before this went down. Supposedly.
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I accept your point on use of lights and sirens but once at the premises leaving on the blues ( or turning them on ) would help identify them.
Or even the alley light pointed at the doorway.
Interesting that you see yourself as being illuminated as making you a more visible target. Yet if the occupant were to stand in the shadows or you could not see his hands - no doubt lots of "show me your hands".
DV suspect with a gun ? You are assuming the male was the aggressor ? Maybe he called police ? Like you assume the police announced themselves ? How do you know ?
Have you seen the bodycam already ?
Speaking as a cop - when the guy answers the door, if he has a gun by his side and is calm - would that require lethal force ?
Or commands to drop the weapon first ?
Any observations on the wife not knowing police were present ?