It is easy to ask why the officers could not disarm Lim. From my past experience interrogating fugitives who had been shot and survived their injuries, their paramount thought after committing a serious crime was to escape, no matter what it took. I shudder to think what would have happened if the officers had been indecisive, and Lim had taken a hostage in his bid to escape. The quick action of the officers in shooting and neutralising Lim may have prevented this.

Mr Fechner wrote: 'Police should also not equip young recruits with firearms. They are not psychologically mature enough to be able to make sound decisions on the use of deadly force.' I cannot agree.

Singapore police officers are adequately trained, psychologically mature and mentally fit to carry firearms. Only one round was discharged to neutralise Lim. This shows the officers did not exceed their right of private defence under the Penal Code.

Lionel De Souza