I am greatly saddened and disappointed by the way our police, city and society treat the mentally ill. Shooting is not a cure. Surely there are other methods that could be utilized to handle situations that pose minimum dangers to the community and to the police.

Historically, the English “Bobbies” were not armed with guns and usually were able to keep order with nightsticks and their powers of persuasion.

I hope there is a full and fair investigation into the tragic events that led to the recent death of Mr. Ostling and that new and effective training will be given to our “peace” officers, so that nothing similar occurs in the future.

Ken Rekow

Bainbridge Island

Policy needs review

Neither my wife nor myself understand why officers shoot to kill when confronted by threatening behavior from individuals not brandishing firearms.

Perhaps police departments need to review this policy and train officers to shoot to incapacitate when confronted at some distance by people with knives, axes and weapons of this nature. This is a sad and increasingly common story.

Dave Sugarman

Bainbridge Island