In this time of terror, it’s important to learn the rules.

While news of the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes is filling the airwaves, a simple reality is being ignored by most liberal critics of London’s police policy: If authorities request an individual to stop (”halt”) for questioning, he/she is inviting lethal consequences by fleeing. That’s the bottom line.

Respect the police. If you’re innocent, there’s no reason to run. As a community, we must rely on each other to do the right thing.

It’s not an issue of civil rights. It’s about survival and protecting all citizens. It’s about the greater good of society.

According to the International Herald Tribune:

“Menezes was followed by plainclothes officers after he left an apartment bloc that was under surveillance. Wearing a padded jacket [CC Notes: A winter jacket in summer], he boarded a bus and traveled to the nearby Stockwell subway station. According to officials, his clothing and behavior aroused the suspicions of the police, who ordered him to stop.

Witnesses said Menezes ran into a subway car, where officers shot him. It was unclear why Menezes, who spoke English, did not stop.”

The paper also reports the family “may sue the British police.” While the accident is tragic, the anger must not be misdirected.

In this new era of global terrorism, it’s obvious that noncompliance is not an option. As a matter of public safety, we expect our governments to be vigilant in order to avoid catastrophes.

With only a week since the last attack in London, there’s no blaming the UK police for following protocol: shooting a suspect who resisted attempts for basic questioning.

It’s a dangerous world. And as the first line of defense, police will shoot again.

UPDATE: (7/28)

It’s a spoof. But there’s inherent truth to it.

(Hattip: LGF/Michelle Malkin)

1. If the police did say “halt,” when was it said? And at what distance? When did the people following Menenez identify themselves as police? At his apartment? On the bus? In the Metro? Did Menenez know (yes, difficult to answer) that he was being followed by the Police? Who did Menenez think (yes, difficult to know) was following him? From his home? Then on to the bus? And then into the metro station? Follow anyone that long and they are likely to flee out of fear.

   I will reserve comment, but there are just too many questions that need to be answered. If this guy was a suspected bomber why was he allowed to get twenty feet away from his front door??

   Comment by Steve Zyzzygowski — July 28, 2005 @ 11:00 am

2. I was there, at Stockwell.

   I was on the train, in the next carriage along and I heard the police shouting and gun shots, like Jean Charles de Menezes did, I ran away because I was terrified. Do you think I should have been shot too? Or does the fact that I’m white with blonde hair mean I’m exempt from this rule?

   Comment by Sue Thomason — July 29, 2005 @ 6:46 am