Split-second MP decision
by Sgt. Marc A. Fox
Letter to the editor
European Stars and Stripes

Monday, December 8th, 1997
I felt compelled to address the lack of insight demonstrated by the writer of "No justice for shoplifter" (Nov. 27). As a military policeman, I was glad to see someone holding a command position supporting this patrolman. I am not condoning the actions of the MP, as I do not know all of the facts regarding the incident, and any death is a tragedy. I just wish more people would get all of the facts before passing judgment and offering useless suggestions to an incident that can now never be changed.
In the letter writer's 36 years of military life, she obviously does not understand the Army policy that she claims to. Perhaps she has never hear of Army Regulation 190-14 or doesn't have a knowledge of the ballistics of the M882 Ball round that MPs carry in their duty weapons.
AR 190-14 governs use of force. Any patrolman discharging his or her firearm is responsible for the round the second it leaves his or her weapon until it comes to rest. There are no provisions in any regulation that I have any knowledge of that authorize the shooting of tires, and this regulation does not authorize warning shots. It seems the writer would rather the patrolman send rounds skipping across a crowded parking lot, endangering everyone within the maximum range of that round in an attempt to puncture a tire of a moving vehicle. Although Hollywood makes this look easy, it is not.
Anyone can say they would have done things differently, but only the patrolman who was there can really say why this happened Let's give the soldier the benefit of the doubt. He had to make a decision in a matter of seconds that the rest of us have all the time in the world to ponder. He is the one who has to live the rest of his life with his decision.
Before you judge the decisions made by the MPs who assist, protect, and defend you and your family seven days a week, 24 hours a day, get your facts straight. Ask MPs why they do what they do, and I'm sure they will be happy to educate you.

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