How to explain to the public why cops don't shoot to wound

You shoot to end the threat, the best way to end the threat is to kill or seriously disable the other guy. That shot is the same place on the human body. Most shooters lack the skill to wound a suspect in the first place, add in the stress of being shot at, and you just need a center mass shot.

There are levels of responding to a bodily threat to ones self or the lives of others. The general rule is a law enforcement officer (LEO) matches threat to threat. That is why more tools that the sidearm are carried. Chemical repellants, striking weapons, and Taser/Stun guns offer other options.

A firearm is use only as the last resort. And if used, the LEO must be 100% certain that it is for protection of life only or other unique situations like securing nuclear weapons or other highly sensitive items. If not 100% certain, don't pull the weapon. No one deserves to be killed over objects. And, never lower the weapon until threat is stopped or under control. Retreating the weapon can be deadly to the LEO.

Warning shots are not an option, unless one can be certain the round will do no harm. The LEO is responsible for his round. Once it leaves the chamber, you can't bring it back. If deadly force is required, then shoot to stop the threat, not to kill the person. It may take one round center mass or it may take ten rounds. The thought process is to apply the least amount of force to compel compliance. If one round stops the threat, then a second round is not justified.

Worse part is that if a round is fired, you will wish an alien abducts and probes you, because the lawyers and the legal system will be far worse.

I understand shooting to Kill. That's the point isn't it? But I don't believe lethal force is always necessary. But trying to explain anything to brain dead civilians is pointless. All these mass shootings and the retards blame the gun. More gun laws will work blah blah. It blows my mind how many people I've talked to that bought a gun after a 10 min conversation. You can't convince an idiot why someone does something. But you can remind them why they need it, and what could happen without it. For example, why do you have a fire extinguisher?