Questions About Andrew Messina

The May 1, 2012 sniper shooting of has raised many questions in my mind. It is apparent that, on that evening, Andrew Messina was a suicidal 16 year old. Among my questions are the following:

1. Were any mental health professionals or suicide prevention professionals involved or consulted in any discussions with Andrew Messina that evening as opposed to a Cherokee County hostage negotiator? If not, should this not be considered for future policy?

2. Should law enforcement be looking into non-lethal means of resolving crises like this one as opposed to shooting to kill this young man with a bullet through his heart? Could there have been a shot to wound and disable instead of kill instantly? A two minute internet search reveals a trend in law enforcement to employ non-lethal tactics including rubber bullets, wax bullets, plastic bullets, beanbag rounds, ring airfoil projectiles (both kinetic and tear gas projectiles) and rubber bullets with electroshock effect, concussion grenades, gases and pepper sprays, as well as other options.

3. Should local sheriff’s departments have SWAT teams? If so, should the manner in which SWAT teams are trained and supervised be reviewed and adjusted where needed? Is there mental health training for negotiators? If so should that be expanded?

I firmly believe these are questions our elected officials and those seeking election should be asking and considering.

Ron Debranski II
Cherokee County Resident