Post by WaTcHeR on Feb 28, 2007 13:07:08 GMT -5
State lawmakers file bills to limit police use of stun guns
AUSTIN, TEXAS - State lawmakers have filed several bills that would require greater oversight of Tasers and other stun guns or even suspend their use.
Texas police agencies have increasingly turned to Tasers as a tool for subduing suspects.
They say the stun guns give officers a safer option when they might otherwise have to fight or shoot someone.
But Democratic Representative Garnet Coleman of Houston says state regulators need time to work with police to establish a statewide policy for stun guns. His bill would stop police agencies from using or buying Tasers between during the year of 2008.
Critics contend minorities are disproportionately the target of police Taser use. They also say the stun guns haven't reduced officers' use of deadly force.
Democratic Representative Lon Burnam of Fort Worth says the Tasers can be a good tool if used correctly. He has filed several Taser bills, including one that would create a statewide training for program for officers.
abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=state&id=5072248
AUSTIN, TEXAS - State lawmakers have filed several bills that would require greater oversight of Tasers and other stun guns or even suspend their use.
Texas police agencies have increasingly turned to Tasers as a tool for subduing suspects.
They say the stun guns give officers a safer option when they might otherwise have to fight or shoot someone.
But Democratic Representative Garnet Coleman of Houston says state regulators need time to work with police to establish a statewide policy for stun guns. His bill would stop police agencies from using or buying Tasers between during the year of 2008.
Critics contend minorities are disproportionately the target of police Taser use. They also say the stun guns haven't reduced officers' use of deadly force.
Democratic Representative Lon Burnam of Fort Worth says the Tasers can be a good tool if used correctly. He has filed several Taser bills, including one that would create a statewide training for program for officers.
abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=state&id=5072248