After the police shooting of an unarmed robbery suspect Aug. 24, this newspaper cautioned against a rush to judgment until the investigatory process could ascertain blame and potential criminality. The community now has the first results.

Acting on the recommendation of Police Chief Margaret Ackley and following an investigation led by Capt. Steven Crowley, Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced Thursday the firing of the officer responsible for the shooting, Thomas Northup. The investigation, said the mayor, concluded the officer violated several procedures governing the use of deadly force. The mayor's decision appears appropriate.

The shooting left Mr. Cunningham, 28, paralyzed. The incident began when Mr. Cunningham stole an idling ice deliver truck, later tipping it on its side. As Officer Northup and another officer approached the truck cab, they reportedly ordered Mr. Cunningham to show his hands. Whatever happened next resulted in Officer Northup firing several times. Mr. Cunningham did not have a gun.

The process continues. The police union filed a grievance with the state Board of Mediation and Arbitration challenging the firing.

And the city faces a federal lawsuit filed by Mr. Cunningham.

Also pending is a decision by New London State's Attorney Michael L. Regan whether to pursue any criminal charges against the officer. State police investigated the incident and submitted a report to Mr. Regan. While some have criticized the mayor for acting before the prosecutor announces his findings, we note that two different standards apply.

The firing concerns a failure to follow police procedure, a tragic outcome resulting.

The prosecutor, on the other hand, must determine if the officer's actions were so reckless that they were criminal. That's a more difficult threshold to meet, and it should be. While he may have violated procedures, Officer Northup almost certainly felt he was acting in self-defense.

Police have a difficult job, but when it comes to the use of deadly force, they must be held to the highest of standards. That appears to be what happened here.