I dont disagree with you, Nate, but the truth is, more officers are killed during traffic stops as a result of being hit by a car or truck, than are killed being shot.
Having said that, the officers should very well be careful that the driver or a passenger is a violent criminal, for sure.
There is a difference between being careful and being militant.
I personally believe that nobody under 40 years of age, who hasn't also worked in a completely different line of work for 10 years, should be an officer...the 21 year old just has no "life experience" to bring to bear to the job. And it is far less about brute strength and speed these days as it is about the law, thought process, and procedures. Even a "chase" situation can be handled with radio communication and enough cooperating officers up ahead on the highway.
Just a thought. I'm not married to the idea, but it is something I've been kicking around. To have them work smarter, not harder