Investigations will reveal whether police shooting incident was justified

It's always a concern when a police officer kills someone, but it's also a fact of life in America. Violence is far too common in the United States. Our country is the most violent industrialized nation on earth.

There are many factors, including gangs, drugs and alcohol, and sociopathic behavior. It may also be a product of dysfunctional families and the glamorization of violence in the media, in music and in video games.

As citizens, we must put our faith in the system that will investigate the Nov. 14 incident. The apartment complex shooting will be examined independently by the major crimes unit, internal affairs and the district attorney. These groups must look at the incident with total impartiality.

In the meantime, the same standard should apply here as in our criminal justice system.

The police officer should be presumed innocent unless he's found guilty.

It's important to remember, too, that sometimes policemen are used by disturbed people as a means to an end. If someone points a pistol (or even a toy that looks like a handgun) at a cop, it will provoke an act of self-defense.

The peace officer will shoot to kill.

"Officer-assisted suicide" or "suicide-by-cop" are phrases that have found their way into our culture.

We must have faith that the outcome of the investigation will be fair and just.