content: This  It is not reasonable to ask a cop to risk their lives trying to disarm a a killer.  and this  Asking a cop to rush an armed man without using any weapons is fucking retarded.  are strawmen. No one suggested that an unarmed cop should attempt to disarm an armed suspect. Cops can call for armed backup and observe from a distance until it arrives. Most countries use this procedure instead of engaging in high speed chases, for example. Cops can use less lethal weapons if the situation does not allow them time for backup or distance to observe: clubs, beanbags, and tazers are all fairly effective at stopping people and body armour can be effective at preventing stabbings in the torso. It's also worth nothing that police officers are in less danger than roofers and construction workers. Police are not even in the top 10 of dangerous jobs.