I've noticed that the time it takes for authorities to investigate a self-defense shooting can vary over a wide range. For example, a CHP officer was allowed back on the force just six days after a "suicide-by-cop" incident. On the other hand, I've also heard of investigations taking from several months to over a year. It's not unheard of for an armed citizen to spend several months in jail, even when the shooting is clearly justified. In the former case, it is very strange considering that police-involved shootings generally take longer to investigate because it has to be investigated by the department itself, not just the DA's office. What factors account for this difference in times?
My other question is: if someone claims that a shooting was self-defense, then how to police decide whether to arrest the shooter? Consider the recent Trayvon Martin case, for example. The police did not arrest Zimmerman on the spot because they had reason to believe he acted in self-defense (even though many people disagree). On the other hand, like I just says, people involved in "good" shoots have been put in jail before. Would this be an issue related to probable cause, or does it depend on local laws?
My other question is: if someone claims that a shooting was self-defense, then how to police decide whether to arrest the shooter? Consider the recent Trayvon Martin case, for example. The police did not arrest Zimmerman on the spot because they had reason to believe he acted in self-defense (even though many people disagree). On the other hand, like I just says, people involved in "good" shoots have been put in jail before. Would this be an issue related to probable cause, or does it depend on local laws?