Howard police want to use stun guns, but some officials question whether enough research is available on the weapons? safety.
“We must make sure we have a concrete study and understand how we?re going to use this particular device,” said Jenkins Odoms Jr., president of the Howard County and Maryland NAACP.
A bill before the County Council would allow Howard police to use stun guns, known as Tasers for the most common brand, by exempting public safety officers from a county law banning electronic weapons in the county.
Tasers discharge an electric current, temporarily incapacitating a person.
The use of Tasers would reduce the number of physical altercations with suspects while bringing altercations to quicker resolutions, Police Chief William McMahon told the council at a public hearing Tuesday.
If the measure passes, police would launch a six-month pilot program with a select group of officers, who would receive an eight-hour training course, McMahon said.
However, some studies have shown that Tasers can be harmful, particularly for those with certain medical conditions, said Odoms, who opposes the measure.
There should also be more information on the department?s protocol for the devices, and an outside group such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People should monitor the pilot program, Odoms said.
Council Member Courtney Watson, D-District 1, also said more medical data is needed and a comprehensive policy should be in place to ensure the weapons are used properly.
“There has been some controversy,” Watson said, adding she is has not taken a position on the bill. “I am interested in seeing all the data that?savailable.”
McMahon said they have a draft version of the protocol, which is included in the use-of-force policy.
Last year, Howard officers were assaulted 101 times, said Cpl. Ronald Baker, president of police union the Howard County Police Officers? Association, and Tasers could reduce this number.
“We accept the risks of our jobs,” he said. “We are asking for you to give us all the tools available.”
The department?s Citizens? Advisory Council and Howard County Sheriff?s Office also threw their support behind the initiative.
