PLATFORM/Stunning opinions
Law enforcement officers that are equipped with electronic stun guns have reported a reduction in the number of physical confrontations with criminal suspects. For example, Denver reports that potential physical confrontations dropped from 70 percent to 20 percent since police started using the weapons last year. However, nationally 25 deaths have been linked to the weapons in the last nine months. Recently, American City & County asked readers of its weekly e-mail newsletter whether law enforcement agencies should limit or eliminate the weapons’ use. Below is a sampling of responses.
“Stun guns should only be used if the perp has a weapon and is a threat to someone’s life.”
— Earl Rodney, Accountant, Finance Department, Pembroke Pines, Fla.
“As long as the stun gun is effective at knocking criminals down for an easier apprehension, I’m all for it. Unless you’re dealing with criminals with big guns — then it’s time to break out the big guns.”
— Brian Richardson, Deputy Building Commissioner, Shelbyville, Tenn.
“We are currently issuing the Taser X-26 to all patrol officers and some plain clothes officers, too. Since putting the X-26 out in the field, I have not had another officer injured, because everyone just gives up. I currently do not have statistics on our reduction, but I would estimate it at about 500 percent. As far as the few deaths, I believe you will find that the cause of death was not Taser but other issues like drugs or a pre-existing medical condition. I feel all officers should be carrying the Taser system.”
— Dave Gunderson, Chief of Police, Blue Lake, Calif.
“I firmly believe that officers should use the stun gun. As for governing its deaths, it should not be held in the same light as the gun. It should be used in the same consideration of the ‘billy club.’ Continue to press the industry to analyze the deaths involving stun guns and allow technology to catch up regarding a safer product that still immobilizes the criminal.”
— Randolph Scott, Zoning Inspector, Savannah, Ga.