I don't know how old those pictures are, but I've read enough by retired cops to know that the displayed technique is not the right one. Sorry if I'm being an Armchair General, but I've heard enough opinions on the subject to come to the conclusion that drawing one's weapon and assuming the proper Weaver Stance is a complete waste of precious time when the assailant will be on top of you by the time you fire.
There's a reason police carry short-barreled pistols with fixed sights. First, they're quicker on the draw, and second, they're harder for an attacker to grab. That's probably why authors of shotgun technique recommend a pistol for work inside arm's length. Long story short: You pull your sidearm and begin firing as soon as the muzzle is in the assailant's general direction, possibly even when the gun is waist-high, then you get the gun up and do some placed shots if he does not crumple.
Lots of people just run out and buy a CCW gun without thinking about how fast it will draw, and whether or not it "points" as easily as the index finger. I can infer this from the amount of time they don't spend on the range practicing. But then, few ranges allow you to practice defensive shooting techniques. I'm undecided about the final stance. With arms extended, you are more likely to take a non-lethal knife wound in the arms rather than in the vitals. On the other hand, you open yourself up to the possibility of wrangling for control of the gun (since it's sticking way out there) if you were too slow to react.
I didn't think this was in dispute any longer. I see the defensive shooting schools teaching fast draw, continue firing while backing away from the assailant.
Also: To be sure, the article is a 9th Inning Argument. You know, you're listening to the wrap up, and the team's fans are critical of so-and-so because he "lost the game" in the 9th. Hardly any critcism is aimed at the rest of the team, who put themselves in that position in the first 8 innings. In other words, if you've been surprised, then something critical is malfunctioning in your brain to begin with. I see dozens of people every day, wandering around staring the clouds while talking on their mobile phones. They mindlessly wander out in front of cars. If you aren't paying attention well enough to hear/feel/see the approach of a two-ton vehicle, you're fresh meat for a 200 lb. attacker.
EDIT #2: OK, I just looked a little more closely, the officer isn't using the Weaver Stance. But still, he's defending his life, not shooting bowling pins.
