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Published May 1, 2008 Tasers center of public safety debate By Neil Hughes | Educational Consultant
Despite the fact that a University of Florida student’s cry of “Don’t Tase me, bro!” has become something of a running gag, an important debate still rages over law enforcement’s use of Tasers to subdue people. Some feel that Tasers are an important tool when used by police to ensure safe apprehension of a suspect. They argue that the device – which hits the victim with an electrical charge, making him or her essentially defenseless – is just as important for the safety of law enforcement officials as it is for the well-being of a suspect. In other words, it’s better to take down a person with a device that leaves no physical damage, as opposed to a blunt nightstick blow or, worse, a bullet. Ben Johnson, sheriff of Volusia County stated in a recent editorial that the “mere threat of [Taser] deployment causes individuals to become compliant without the need to employ actual force.”
But others feel that the use of Tasers has created a mentality with law enforcement officials that, as a Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial stated in October, “excuses brutality as public protection.” Take the case of a 16-year-old, special education student at Flagler Palm Coast High School who became problematic in his classroom. The room was cleared and a deputy came to assess the situation. He ordered the student to lie on the floor. When the boy did not comply, the officer Tasered him, and later charged him with assault on an officer. The article pointed out that more than 200 people have died from electrocution by Tasers, despite insistence from the company and law enforcement officials that the devices are nonlethal. (As a result of the incident, the sheriff no longer provides school deputies with Tasers.) Sheriff Johnson countered those arguments by stating that no one has died from electrocution by a Taser. In addition, he said, statistically Tasers are used .03 percent of the time in a police response – hardly, he said, “Taser-happy,” as The News-Journal editorial had said. But as long as Tasers are used by law enforcement across the world, expect debate over the controversial devices to continue. In October, a Polish immigrant died after being shocked with a Taser in a Vancouver airport, and a videotape of the incident, recorded by a bystander, was uploaded to the Internet. That incident caused the manufacturer of Taser products to go on the defensive, arguing that the man’s death was from other causes. As for the controversial Gainesville case, the student, Andrew Meyer, faces no charges from his erratic behavior in questioning former senator and presidential candidate John Kerry. The officers who Tasered the man also face no charges or disciplinary action after an investigation concluded. What’s your opinion about the use of Tasers? Think about it a little, and then be sure to take time to try the newspaper activities and explore the Web links given below. Try these activities using The Daytona Beach News-Journal! 1. Criminals often achieve notoriety, but at what cost? Would you rather be notorious for committing a savage crime, or respected for a great deed or invention? From your newspaper, select and read an article about a person who is being honored for a worthy deed or accomplishment. Imagine you are celebrating such an event, and draw a picture of yourself receiving a prestigious award for your achievements. (Sunshine State Standards: SS.C.2.2.2, SS.C.2.2.3, VA.A.1.2.1) 2. How can you make your own views on Tasers public--and how persuasive are you? Newspapers publish Letters to the Editor on many topics. Read the Letters to the Editor in your newspaper to familiarize yourself with that section. How successful were the authors in persuading you to share their viewpoint? If you feel strongly for or against the use of Tasers, write your own letter to the editor clearly stating your viewpoint. Check your newspaper to see if your letter gets published for others to read. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.2.2.3, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.6, LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.2.2.3, LA.B.2.2.6, LA.D.2.2.5) 3. While citizens and residents in the U.S. are already protected by many laws, sometimes legislation cannot change quickly enough to keep pace with new developments in technology. In addition to the use of Tasers law enforcement, cell phone use and the Internet are areas that many say need regulating. Select one of these topics and use The News-Journal and other resources to design a public service ad showing what, if any, related legislation is in process and how you feel about the issue. Try to display your ad in a public place to educate others. (Sunshine State Standards SC.H.3.2.1, SC.H.3.2.4, SS.A.2.2.4, SS.A.4.2.4, SS.C.1.2.1, SS.C.1.2.2, SS.C.1.2.4, SS.C.1.2.5, SS.C.2.2.1, SS.C.2.2.2, SS.C.2.2.3, SS.C.2.2.4, SS.C.2.2.5) 4. Use The News-Journal to read a report of an arrest or other incident in which law enforcement officers intervened. Brainstorm the devices officers probably used to resolve the incident. Study News-Journal editorial cartoons, then create one of your own to show your opinion of the equipment used or not used. (Sunshine State Standards: SS.C.1.2.4, SS.C.2.2.2, SS.C.2.2.3) 5. Advances in technology are making an impact in more areas than law enforcement. Search The News-Journal's Help Wanted section to find job vacancies for a career you're interested in. Read the listings to determine what technology skills are required for the position. Then, speak to a school guidance counselor or other adult about opportunities available for students interested in a career in that field. (Sunshine State Standards SC.H.3.2.1, SC.H.3.2.2) Check out these links to learn more: Even before a police officer shocked a 15-year-old special education student in Kansas, youth Wichita high schools were organizing against the controversial weapons. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3031 How stun guns work: http://home.howstuffworks.com/stun-gun3.htm A history of Tasers: http://www.taser.com/research/Science/Pages/HistoryofTASERDevices.aspx The Newspaper Association of America Foundation's website contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world. Visit the site and check some of them out, to see if they have recently published any articles on this topic. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state or click the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries. |
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