It seems to be a cops “get out of jail free” card. After firing their weapon, they exclaim, I feared for my life!
Equipment Carried by Law Enforcement
When a police officer dresses for work, they put on a duty belt that is filled with equipment to assist them in doing their job. While some items are for defense, such as the bullet proof vest, other items are for offense.
Officer Being Fitted for a New Vest
The officer dresses out of fear. He wears the bullet proof vest in fear of being shot. He carries a loaded weapon in fear of a suspect having a weapon. His job starts each day in fear.
Officers Train with Their Service Weapons
The officer has spent countless hours training with his service weapon. His training is expected to kick in when he is put in situations that he fears.
Recruits Learn How to Place Handcuffs on a Suspect 
He has attended the training academy. He has learned how to place handcuffs on a suspect. He has completed a required probationary period.
Atlanta Cop Making an Arrest
He has even done the job. He has gone out and made arrests, dealing with those society wants to lock up and throw away the key.
Sergeant Conducting a Traffic Stop
He has conducted an untold number of traffic stops and issued ticket after ticket. This is not unfamiliar to him. And he has used his training in each stop.
Police Officers Arresting Protesters
So with all his gear. The bullet proof vest, service weapon, Ar-15, taser, handcuffs, pepper spray, extra ammunition, flashlight, baton and all his other equipment. And backup just blocks away.
Police lights from a New Jersey Patrol Car
That when they arrive to a scene, they allow adrenaline to take over.
Police Shooting Victim Jeremy Mardis
And forget about their training, forget about what they learned in the academy, forget about the plethora of equipment strapped to their duty belt and turn this.
Chicago Family Upset After Police Murdered Their Family Member
Into family members devastated by the loss of an innocent family member. The financial strain of needing to pay for burial services. All because a cop “feared for his life”. After all that equipment and training, fear should not be an excuse for murder.