I read the recent Salt Lake Tribune story about the officers not being charged in the fatal shooting of the Glendale rapper, Cody Belgard.
Like anyone, I wondered initially how the police could have done this. Then I read the second paragraph, noting that Cody was probably holding a cell phone when he was shot.
I remembered the opportunity that I had some years back to take a nine-week Citizens Academy with Unified Police Department. One of the last classes was at the gun range where we got to experience a nearly 360-degree simulation.
My partner and I “entered” a warehouse where a young man came running at us, screaming something and holding something in his hand. It was impossible to detect what it was — or
Wasn't — until he was very close, by which time my partner had “shot” him.
I've had the honor, through working with the Granite Community Council, to know and work with many police officers, with both UPD and Sandy Police Department. After that simulated experience, I no longer jump to criticize the police when an event like this occurs. It is still very sad, but not unpredictable.
Mary Young, Sandy
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