G;'day Discoteddy,
Can you please let the rest of us know in what capacity you have witnessed this "lack of basic skill and judgement"
One personal episode that comes to mind (and you will probably say"so what", but it points towards a basic lack of aptitude):
several years ago I had to, on many occasions, carry police out to remote communities by air. It was both the company's and my policy that the weapon travel with me under the seat up front. One morning a young officer (probo I guess/hope) came in and offered up the cased tactical tupperware for safekeeping. As usual I asked whether the pistol was unloaded and safe. The answer (verbatim): "Oh yeah, I removed the bolt."
The what? "The bolt"
It's a Glock isn't it? It doesn't have a bolt. "Oh, you know, the barrel thing"
You mean the slide and barrel? "Yeah, that's it!"
Ohhhkkaaayyyy...........
Bear in mind that this officer, just out of the academy, may have been as proficient in handgun use as they were ever likely to be.

When confronted across the kitchen of a house by a man with a knife: yelling "taser, taser, taser!" and promptly putting a bullet in the suspect shows a definite lack of something.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't like to put up with the cr*p they get for any money, but let's not kid ourselves, there is no law written that says they are held responsible for protecting us from those that want to do us harm.
In more practical terms, it gets a bit sporty around my neighbourhood sometimes; have you tried 000 lately? Last time I tried the drunk/psycho guy with the knife was long gone by the time they arrived. By the time they get there with their pistols/Tasers it may be well and truly over, so best consider making your own arrangements.
And always remember that when arguing self defense, the jury will take notice of the most reliable witness still available to give evidence.

Anyway, I'm out
