Lubbock Police Officer Shows Bravery and Courage in Using Deadly Force
Last Sunday 20-year-old Zitra Rivera called 911 and said that her boyfriend, 25-year-old Jermar Antwan McKinzie, had kicked in her door and was violent toward her.
Officer Jennifer Breazeale responded within three minutes and saw McKinzie standing over Rivera holding a knife. When McKinzie didn't drop the knife after two demands from Breazeale to do so, the Officer fired two fatal rounds into McKinzie's torso.
It's a situation that police officers all over the country may face during their career. Breazeale has been with the Lubbock Police Department for 4 ½ years and her case is the first in five years where lethal use was exercised.
At a news conference on Friday, February 25 Police Capt. Greg Stevens said that Officer Breazeale's actions appear to be justified.
After reading the case in detail (click here for more on the incident), the first thought that comes to my mind is how bravely Breazeale acted. Subsequently I wonder how this officer is doing as taking the life of another human being must be traumatic for an officer.
Finally, I wondered if citizens like you and I really give police officers in Breazeale's situation the due credit they deserve.
Breazeale did as she was trained according to Capt. Stevens, "Officer Breazeale reverted back to the training she has received so far in her career, and that is to aim center mass and shoot to stop the threat."
Yet, no matter what the text says to do, she must live with the fact that she took another life on the supposition that someone else's life was at stake. She doesn't know for a fact (no one does) that the assailant was going to kill his girlfriend. In split seconds, Breazeale's mind formed the basis for her decision to use deadly force.
Most occupational choices do not involve the trauma and emotional toll that could result in a police officer's work.
Through this commentary, I just want Officer Breazeale and all other officers in her situation to know that as a citizen I thank her. She is courageous, brave and to be commended for her commitment to serve and protect. Men and women like Breazeale help make America the country it is today.
Published by Carol Whyte
Previous freelance writer for two business magazines, on-line contributor for Yahoo! Contributor Network, and National Examiner. Consistently awarded YCN's Top 100/500 and listed as Top 1000 for 2009 and 2010. View profile
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2 Comments
Post a Commentgood report!
If he was standing over the intended victim, why could she not shoot him in the arm or legs? I question the use of deadly force here when he had a weapon yes, but it was not a gun so was it necessary to take his life! I have not read the account so I will do this later, but sometimes I wonder if the office thinks of alternatives before 'killing' a person. Yes, there are situations where the need is quick to make a decision, but this, based on your account/report. seems that maybe there could have been a different way to handle this and save both lives.