All of this IMHO. I am not a police officer, but have been in public service, where I have worked beside police officers and emergency personnel. I have a few good friends that are police officers. This scenario could easily have been very different and dangerous for the officer. Criminals dropping off someone just shot. It is not that rare! So, the gun drawn down by his side, not an issue for me. But reholster and help the people when the situation is realized.
I think Police Chief Kunkle's remarks were spot on. IMHO, the conduct of Officer Powell was reprehensible, but not criminal. Therefore, I believe Powell should issue his own apology. have retraining in the appropriate areas, and definitely some alternative work for some time. Then, back on patrol. The only problem with this may be: that if Officer Powell were to feel he was "on a short leash" he may not react appropriately and bring harm to himself, other officers, or an citizen.
OK ..Now the opposite point of view. Police officers go through intense training before they "hit the streets". It would seem to me that to be a good police officer, there are some inherent traits one needs to possess ... great intuition (instinct) and judgment, organizational skills, common sense, compassion, and the desire to protect and serve the public, among others. Some can be taught, some can't. Powell showed a serious lack of judgment, intuition, compassion, and common sense. These, to me, are the aspects of being a good police officer that can't be taught, but are essential to performing their job as they are sworn and to do it safely, both for their safety and that of the public. I would think the screening process vetts out those that are unqualified. Those that slip through, perform as Officer Powell did. Let him move on to a job for which he might be better suited.
Again, IMHO
