Gothamist: NYPD Looks to Tasers to Avoid Shootings

sj

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:15:33 -0500

Hey controversial tasings are still better for everyone than controversial shootings. That said, a situation that has escalated to the point where deadly force would be justified is not the appropriate time to use a Taser. A deadly force justification presumes someone is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury and a Taser doesn't give an officer the certainty that they need to end the threat quickly (i.e. it's useless if the darts don't penetrate the badguy's clothing, or if you miss when you fire the darts). If someone's coming at you with a blade or pointing a gun at you or someone else, the Taser is not going be the right tool for the job. In those cases the proper tool would be an officer's firearm. But, if used properly, hopefully the Taser will be another tool to prevent a situation from escalating that far in the first place. The best way it can do that is by basically disabling someone at the first sign of a fight. Badguy takes a swing or resists being placed in handcuffs, that's the perfect application for a Taser as it allows the officers to subdue the guy without having to fight or use a baton. The theory is that would allow for the badguy to be cuffed up quickly and provide less opportunity for injuries on both sides.

jaycjay

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:51:39 -0500

"I can't believe Gothamist is reporting this NOW?" Uh, that's probably because the NYPD just made the announcement YESTERDAY, and... you know, we're in NYC. So is the NYPD. See the connection?

Shinobi Shaw

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:34:48 -0500

I can't believe Gothamist is reporting this NOW? THis has been going on for quite sometime all over the country. Get with it Goth.

JacqueMehoff

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:46:52 -0500

I forgot to add the invisible step in which all these prisoners trip on which was the cause of the black eye and bruises.

JacqueMehoff

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:43:59 -0500

add in "STOP RESISTING" BBZZZZT which is why video is always needed to combat these liars.

rtd2101

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:40:58 -0500

"Don't tase me bro" indeed

Steven

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:32:31 -0500

I could just see now Al Sharpton complaining about tasers on his people.

Dave Hogarty

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:26:12 -0500

If the Dept. has any sense, it will extend the circumstances of a firearm discharge (alcohol testing, internal review of the circumstances) to Taserings. Otherwise, I foresee a hell of a lot of "You're not cooperating--[BZZZZT]".

bklynd

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:15:28 -0500

Now we'll get lots of controversial taserings of protesters and the like. The taser will not merely replace the gun but add a whole new way NYC cops can fuck up. Kelley has got to accompany this new equipment with very strict instructions on when they are appropriate, and be ready to fire some people for misusing it.

Spiritof76

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:50:15 -0500

Those UF guards were way over the line. You can hear Kerry saying he wanted to answer the question and urging everyone to calm down, including the guards, but they wanted to be big shots. BTW, you do know that there's a difference between a Taser® and a regular stun gun, which is what the student was hit with?

palestine

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:35:30 -0500

I hope the "DONT TASE ME BRO!!" quotes run rampant throughout the 5 boros once this goes into effect.

Rocknrope

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:29:27 -0500

Prime opportunity for testing today!