Letters: Witnesses need to be sure about testimony

An experience of mine may have some bearing on what was said in Monday's article ("How useful are police composite sketches?") regarding witnesses.

Many years ago, I was in my patrol car when an "officer in pursuit" alert came over the police radio. I was three blocks away. I got within a block when I heard two gunshots. As I approached the scene, I saw an auto come to rest against a pole. There was no one in the vicinity, nor any other cars. When detectives showed up, a man in the corner house told them that he was standing there, that the police had surrounded a suspect, and that they didn't have to shoot the suspect.

I went and asked the gentleman if he actually saw this. I also told him I was the first one there. He then said that he had really been in his kitchen and that, when he got to his door, he saw me pulling up. I thanked him for his honesty and went on my way.

I'm not suggesting that people tend to lie. But they do attest to things that they only think happened. Those who come forward as witnesses should be aware that, at some point, they may be called upon to swear in court to what they say they saw.

Rus Slawter

Philadelphia