When guns are involved, officers

Citizens Police Academy members got more rare insight into the world of law enforcement Thursday night. They came face to face with a police officer?s worst nightmare ? to shoot, or not to shoot.

For the demonstration, Major Bryan Denton taped scenarios where police officers are commonly called to the scene. Volunteers were asked to shoot or not shoot when a teenager being questioned pulled a gun.

During that training demonstration, McMinnville Electric System general manager and CEO Rodney Boyd was shot and killed by a teenage driver who was pulled over because she was suspected of driving while intoxicated.

?She looked innocent,? said Boyd. ?I just couldn?t shoot her.?

Up next was Joseph Madden. After watching Boyd get shot just moments before, he pulled his weapon almost instantly and killed an innocent driver.

?We have a split second to make that decision,? said Denton. ?Right or wrong we can get crucified for it.?

Although most of the volunteer demonstrations ended with someone dying, Howard Pennington Jr., survived the assault upon his person when he was able to shoot before being shot.

A later demonstration by Denton showed the proper procedure for pulling over someone who is suspected of driving while intoxicated. When class member Byron Bell tried his hand at it, he was shot by Denton after he approached the vehicle and asked for license and registration.

These scenarios were all fun and games, but they are real life to a police officer. In a split second, they have to judge the intent of everyone they come in contact with while on the street.

After the gun demonstration, group members were given a tour of the Warren County Sheriff?s Department and jail by Sheriff Jackie Matheny.

?I think this is a wonderful program,? said Matheny. ?It tickles me that you are coming out here to see what we do through hands-on experience. This program is doing a wonderful job.?

Next week will be ride-along week for the class. During this week, each person will be allowed to ride with a patrolman during his regular shift.