By the same token, firing at someone who is reaching behind their back is probably involuntary in many cases, the realization of the potential threat creates a chain reaction in the brain. Its one reason I go easy on cops, depending on the situation.
Someone reaching behind their back, who is a known dangerous felon (a key aspect) after being ordered hands up, i am going to let that go, if the cop shots. Maybe an exceptional cop has the ability to hold out another second and se what developments though.
Same situation and it’s a girl, not a known felon, I question the cops ability more, he Might want to look for another’s career.
As Lursa pointed out, police receive training on what to do when it happens to them. If they don't, they should, because training is available. That's how understood this phenomenon is. I would expect a trained police force, paid by the citizens they are expected to protect, to have a level of training higher than the average citizen. If this happens to them, they should be able to recognize it, and seek to de escalate, or at least act with it in mind. Going easy on the cops here means people who shouldn't be killed get killed. Not sure if that's the best place to spend your lenience, and not sure being able to navigate this should be reserved for "exceptional" cops...this should be pretty basic, I'd think, given how well it's understood and the consequences of not taking it into consideration.
But, for the sake of our discussion, let's say you do...if you can acknowledge that a trained police officer, from a place of authority, carrying a gun, can fall victim to this kind of phenomenon, why can't you extend that same understanding to someone who is being yelled at, all to often from multiple people at the same time, with guns drawn, often already winded from a chase or high stress situation? Yes, I know, they are criminals, but even criminals have rights under your constitution.
I promised a link, so here's one that describes tunnelled senses, and it has nothing to do with this issue, so hopefully that eliminates bias concerns.
Understanding Stress - Part 5: Tunnel Vision - Situational Awareness Matters!™.
I would also suggest that there shouldn't be a distinction between the type of suspect, in terms of how they approach, as a girl can pull a trigger, and there's always a first time for everything. This kind of training and focus doesn't only protect criminals...it protects cops too, which is also important. Yes, they assume a degree of danger when they take the job, but that doesn't mean anyone expects them to fall on their swords for no reason. Better training and procedure protects everyone, which is why I find it so strange that any of this is controversial at all.