I talked to a guy involved who was in a self defense shooting in another state some years ago who used this approach. Cop said something like "if you don't have anything to hide why won't talk to me now?" Guy replied, politely to the effect "for the same reason you won't talk to investigators without your union attorney if you are involved in a justified shooting." He said the cop looked at him and said "good thinking" and was very reasonable.
The main thing I try to teach students on this it to keep in mind the fact that no matter how justified you may be in the use of deadly don't assume the cops are your friends (Harris County and it's wacko DA comes to mind) and don't assume they are no matter how friendly they may seem. Don't say anything you don't potentially have repeted in court.
Because I don't give legal advice, I don't tell them what to do... but my personal plan is to give a short clear statement (somewhat prepared in my mind in advance so I don't have to wing it under pressure) and shut up until Mr Cotton gets there :D
V/r
Chuck
txinvestigator wrote:This past Saturday I had a large CHL class, and an attorney was a student. He felt the need to pipe up whenever he thought a particular point was important. I try to allow feedback in classes, and I encourage student participation and comment.
At one point, he decided to give his legal advice about what a person should do regarding the police if ever involved in a shooting. His advice was to not speak to the police AT ALL about the incident until in the presence of one's attorney. In fact, he advised that when calling 911 that the shooter should only mention that there was a dead/shot person at his location, and hang up without giving any other details.
I disagree and have my own thoughts, but would like Charle's opinions.
Other instructors are welcome to offer your POV.
Thanks.