In the year since Ohio University police officers began carrying Tasers, their usage has stayed lower than other local law enforcement.
Ohio University Police Department officers fired their Tasers twice in the past year and Athens Police Department officers deployed their Tasers three times in the same span. The Athens County Sheriff's Office has done so 10 times in 2008.
University police said they believe the purchase of five Tasers last April was a worthwhile investment because they provide a less-violent alternative for law enforcement, OUPD Chief Michael Martinsen wrote in an e-mail.
Much like a campus blue light that is rarely used but can still save a life, benefits to the department extend well beyond the two times Tasers were deployed, Lt. Steve Noftz said.
I certainly hope people aren't saying that to justify the purchases we need to use them a certain number of times
he said. You can't put a price on having the use-of-force option.
University police purchased the X26E Tasers for about $800 each, with accompanying audio and video recording devices at $400 each, according to order forms.
Tasers can be used in two ways. Drive stunning, where an officer touches the Taser to a person's skin, forces a person to submit. Tasers can also shoot electrified barbs that paralyze a person's muscles, said David Malawista, Athens County Sheriff's Chief Deputy.
Barbs can be propelled about 25 feet by nitrogen gas, said Athens Police Chief Richard Mayer. A Taser has no known lasting physical effects, he said.
Miami University graduate, Kevin Piskura, 24, died from complications five days after police used a stun gun on him, according to a May 10 Oxford Press story. When used properly, Tasers are an excellent alternative to deadly force ' but are still dangerous, according to Taser International's Web site.
People have an irrational fear that's not grounded in reality Malawista said.
Officers attempt to tase subjects in the back to avoid more sensitive body parts, Mayer said.
OUPD officers underwent a six-hour comprehensive training course in Tasers with Lt. Cliff Spinner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Noftz said.
They're humane they're effective and they prevent injuries
he said, adding that the camera records circumstances before the Taser's use and guarantees accountability.
The Athens County Sheriff's Offices's Tasers do not have cameras, Malawista said. Because the Taser records the date, time, duration it was used and outside temperature, cameras are unnecessary, he said, adding that the county's limited budget prevented the sheriff's office from buying cameras.
Athens County Sheriff's deputies used their 23 Tasers ' which cost about $17,700 ' eight times in 2007 and 10 times so far in 2008, according to invoices and an interoffice memo provided by the department.
A man attending Fivefest was tased after attempting to pull a gun from a deputy's holster, Malawista said.
The least amount of force I can use seems most desirable
Malawista said.
In the last 12 months, APD officers used its Tasers on three separate occasions, including twice on a former OU employee who attempted to jump off the city parking garage in February. Officers tased a Palmerfest attendee later cited for underage drinking, obstructing official business and resisting arrest, according to documents provided by the Athens Police.
We're always concerned about injuries (to those tased)
whether it be short term or long term
said APD Lt. Jeff McCall.
Athens Police officers purchased 10 Tasers around May 2004, but cameras were not offered as additions at the time, he said.
The department is still considering purchasing camera add-ons for all 10 Tasers, as having cameras would hold officers and criminals more accountable, Mayer said.
We just don't have the funds for them
Mayer said, who added that cameras for cruisers, new uniforms and ballistic vests are a higher priority.
Athens Police spent about $10,000 for its Tasers and supplies in 2004, he said.
17
Archives
