If you shot someone, you should relay that to the 911 operator, as well as the fact you need medical attention, even if you feel they are no longer among the living. Just saying 'I had to stop someone' is not clear enough to let them know that you used your gun and they may or may not ask how you stopped them.USA1 wrote:Good point pbwalker .pbwalker wrote:So here's my question...USA1 wrote:
2. Tell the operator "I shot a man that was trying to hurt me". The key words are shot (not killed, off'ed, smoked, etc), man (not a teenager, child, etc).
I was taught to never say "I killed..." or "I shot..." (along with the others USA1 has listed above)
I have heard it is better to say "I had to stop..."
Does it matter between these two or is it just semantics to an officer?
I believe that if you say " I had to stop.." , then the next question from the dispatcher will be "how did you stop..."
Of coarse this is only my opinion and I welcome further discussion on that point or any other points.
When asked why you shot them, THEN you indicate you were just trying to STOP the threat as you were in fear for your life or that they were going to do you bodily harm.