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The ‘21-foot rule’: How a controversial training for police is used to justify shootings

The policing concept started in Salt Lake City, but some national policing leaders think it’s overly simplistic and shouldn’t be part of training any longer.

(Weber County Attorney's Office) Jamal Bell had a knife in each hand when police shot him nine times on March 23, 2019 as the officers were responding to a call about a couple fighting. Weber County Attorney Chris Allred later referenced a police training, often called the "21-foot rule," when justifying the officers' use of force. The "21-foot rule" is a controversial training where officers are taught that someone with a knife running toward police could cover about 21 feet before officers unholster their gun and fire.