An amazingly clear, if unintended, summary of one problem with tasers.
West Memphis Police Department Captain Donald Oakes says that the new taser targeting guidelines have forced a policy change. "It's a scary change and it's a step backwards."
Oakes' concern is when they can use the weapon. Before the policy change officers could fire the weapon before a physical altercation ensued. Now they have to wait until a suspect puts their hands on them, threatens them or physically resists arrest. [LINK]
Oh... My... God...
Am I reading that correctly?
Captain Oakes is 'concerned' because his officers are no longer permitted to use the taser as a preemptive 'First Strike' weapon to be freely deployed at the first sign of trouble. Such as (for example) when a motorist dares to backtalk, or (for example) on any minority male that happens to be taller than 5' 11" (?). Now the brand new policy means that he is not permitted to dispense electro-violence until the behavior of the subject includes violence. Geesh... Is this a problem in his mind?
Taser International is constantly comparing itself to other "less lethal" weapons. So re-read Captain Oakes' statement of concern, but replace tasers with bean-bag gun, or rubber bullets, or tear gas, or baton strikes. Reveals a fundamental issue with how tasers have been marketed. And clearly demonstrates that taser training and policies are defective.
His 'concern' clearly raises much larger concerns. Civil rights. Ever heard of it?
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