G20 demonstrations

From http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/mar/31/g20-police-sergeant-cleared-baton-charge

Smellie, from the Met's territorial support group (TSG), a specialist public order unit, argued during his trial that he believed Fisher posed a threat to himself and fellow officers. He said he repeatedly struck Fisher, who was considerably smaller than him, after mistaking a carton of orange juice and digital camera she was carrying for weapons.
The district judge, Daphne Wickham, said there was no evidence that his use of the baton was not approved, correct or measured, adding that Smellie had a*** "mere seven seconds" ***to act, and other witnesses had feared for his safety.

A) If he's from a "specialist public order unit" and he mistakes a carton of orange juice and a camera for a weapon, even in a fray, then he needs better training and/or glasses.

B) A "mere seven seconds" is quite a long time (count it out) in a high-adrenaline situation. I doubt most pub brawls even last that long. Plenty of time to assess the situation, and (you would have thought) to establish whether or not the carton of tropicana is a machete. Especially if you're supposedly experienced in assessing volatile or high-risk situations.