By Susan Jarvis
June 19, 2006

In looking for non-lethal options for its police force, Miami and Mayor Manuel A. Diaz implemented the use of TASERs. TASERs are an effective way to reduce injury and fatalities to both suspects and police officers, but the program is not without controversy. In a session in Las Vegas, Diaz, Miami Police Chief John Timoney and Tom Smith, President of TASER International, discussed the benefits and challenges of implementing TASERs.

“With the implementation of TASER usage came a 20 month period without a police shooting, resulting in better police-community relations,” began Timoney. Miami has the most restrictive use of force policy in the country and police shootings were a hot button community issue. According to Timoney, TASERs are a tool, and adequate training and proper policies must be implemented for their successful usage. In Miami, TASERs are not to be used on children under the age of 14, senior citizens over 65 and pregnant women. Additionally, the department implemented a three-tier review process for every TASER discharge. Timoney recommends that a comprehensive review process and a universal deployment practice should be a condition of approval. ‘Universal deployment,” according to Timoney, “is crucial, because officers will only use the tools they are trained and authorized to use.”

Additional information on non-lethal use of force and TASERs can be obtained from the Police Executive Research Forum which did extensive research on the issue and has released suggested guidelines. Timoney is Vice President of the organization.

Scott Greenwood, National Board Member and former General Council of the Ohio ACLU, asserted that strong protection of civil liberties is not in conflict with strong police protection, and that the ACLU endorses the use of TASERs because it reduces the injuries to both citizens and police and the use of deadly force virtually disappears.

The speakers offered anecdotal evidence of “red dot compliance,” noting a significant decrease of TASER firings after an initial upswing immediately following implementation. “The initial increase stems from apprehending suspects the police department wouldn’t ordinarily get,” said Timoney.

TASER International is the leading manufacturer of non-lethal weapons, and Smith briefed attendees on the new technology available for TASERs, including adding a camera and wireless firings, which will be available in 2007. According to Smith, technology is moving towards “Star Trek” TASER technology. TASER International believes the use of their product saves lives everyday.