Officers are the same, but different, than regular people (or why shouldn't you carry a non-lethal self-defence item)

In an article in The Brownfield Herald titled "In police shootings, officers held to same laws as public" the author notes that

Each department's policy on use of force against a suspect varies slightly, said McAllen police Chief Victor Rodriguez. But officers are held liable under the same laws as the public.

"We're subject to the law that applies to everybody," Rodriguez said. "It doesn't matter if you're a police officer or a citizen. A person can use force."

while also showing that officers are not the same as a normal citizen with

Harlingen police have not released the name of the officer who fired on Rivas or said why he chose his shotgun instead of his Taser during the deadly Monday night incident.

The man is currently on leave from his duties, while the Texas Rangers and Cameron County District Attorney's office continue to investigate. The evidence is expected to be turned over to a grand jury for consideration.

The above shows the fact that while officers have the right to protect themselves from force, just like normal citizens, officers are held to closer scrutiny. Cops wear a belt that contains a firearm, but also a baton and a taser (and possibly other items). In the above article, the officer who fired his shotgun was put on leave because he had other tools at his disposal, namely, the taser.

Now, when someone is charging at you with a knife, there is little doubt that the knife-wielding assailant is going for anything but blood. And I do not doubt that is the case in the above instance in regards to the police officer. But I wonder if that officer, if he had only his shotgun with him, if he would have been reprimanded for using the only item he had in order to protect his person. I am betting not.

Some of my fellow gun owners who carry their weapons, both openly and concealed, are very concerned about not only their safety but also about public perception. So they carry much like officers: firearm, taser, baton, knife, ect. My thoughts on this are as follows:

If you are attacked and you fight back, people will look at your methods of defending yourself. If you only have your firearm, people will nod their heads and acknowledge that you were only defending yourself. If you carry a firearm and a knife, someone might wonder why you didn't use your knife instead of the gun. If you carry a taser as well, something that is extremely expensive to use but is non-lethal except in rare circumstances, you will be known as the guy who chose to end a life with your firearm instead of saving a life with your taser. I'd also imagine that you would get sued by the attacker's surviving family, which is something noone wants.

Be careful out there and if you carry something in addition to a firearm for self-defense, be aware that if you choose the wrong self-defense weapon, you may regret it. Just something to think about.