I am writing in response to Jennifer Deering’s letter of Jan. 21, concerning the Kathy Hegarty shooting.

We all know Mrs. Hegarty was accused of firing at the campers. Apparently people no longer have a right to protect their property. …

When cases such as these are investigated, only the fact that there was a weapon at the scene and the officers say they felt threatened, is necessary to clear them, as the law reads. It makes no difference that the officers put themselves in danger. Just because Mrs. Hegarty lost control or, for whatever reason, was for a short time having difficulty, is no reason to shoot the woman.

The law needs to be changed so the surrounding circumstances leading up to the shooting can be examined, and if the officers created the situation due to poor judgment, lack of common sense, or whatever, then they should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, just like anyone else. …

We don’t want police officers to have to stop, second-guess, and put themselves in danger. In some instances, there is no time and the shooting is necessary and justified. But whenever possible, use patience, wait for the TACT team, wait it out. Most people calm down, given time. Don’t shoot them just because something is wrong in their life that day. All we ask is for police to use common sense and good judgment.

I’m not against all cops, only the incompetents. We have many fine police officers out there. My own son hopes to be among their ranks in a few years, after he attends college. If faced with a similar situation, I have faith he’d handle it appropriately. Debbie Vitalone Citizens for Justice and Law Reform Athens