French Police Granted Shoot-at-Drivers Power, But Without Training

The number of fatal police shootings of motorists in France has increased sixfold since a law was passed in 2017 allowing officers to shoot at fleeing drivers. Last year, a record 13 people were shot dead in their vehicles. The law has come under scrutiny after a police officer recently killed a teenage driver during a traffic stop, sparking protests and riots. Union leaders, including those who supported the law, say that officers received inadequate training on what it permitted. Experts and lawyers argue that the law and subsequent shootings are unintended consequences of the French government's response to terrorism and increased threats against police. Critics have called for a repeal or revision of the law.