How many Herald Sun reporters does it take to question the appropriateness of a policeman firing at a gansgter who has just run him down?

Victoria Police recently decided that OH&S issues trump pursuing drug-affected criminals in cars. That decision has given licence to the latter to simply drive at or around police to escape apprehension, with predictable results:

"The driver of that vehicle accelerated hard towards the police member and ran him down," said Acting Superintendent David Griffin.

But may a policeman fire his gun to attempt to save his own life? Herald Sun reporters Kara Irving, Wes Hosking and Jon Kaila (strength in numbers obviously being a necessary requisite for Herald Sun staff at police incidents) ask the question:

Supt Griffin ... would not comment on whether discharging the firearm was the best response under the circumstances.