State v. Rockford

I firmly believe that hard and fast protocols for on-the-scene police activity are not appropriately set from the peaceful vantage that comes with subsequent judicial review. Law enforcement officers perform difficult tasks in oft-dangerous surroundings. Field officers should be supported for on-the-spot decisions made as events unfold that pose risk of harm to officers or to others. See State v. Davila, 203 N.J. 97, 102-03, 999 A.2d 1116 (2010) (recognizing protective sweep as among steps that police reasonably may take to protect themselves from harm in the performance of lawful duties).

That…