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.
