On The Spot Blog

More news coming out of the Austin. 

Legislator Coleman introduced House Bill 1304, which institutes a moratorium on Taser purchases and use during calendar year 2008.

With the current number of Taser related incidents that have happened around the state, it might sound like a good idea.  In fact, it, like the Houston Police Department’s chase policy will limit the options that are available to those who have sworn to protect and serve the public. 

I agree that possibly the state should propose a standardized training requirement, along with specific “recertification” intervals.  Right now, each department has their own set of requirements, and I think those inconsistencies are part of the problem.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the requirement to be shocked by the device is optional in some departments training, while others, including Houston Police Department, doesn’t even include that option.  To me, the standardized training should include exactly that, a requirement to receive a shock from the device that they are going to use.  This is just like an officer at the academy being able to participate in hand to hand combat to understand taking control of a situation, to safely handling the police car in special cases such as pursuits.

So, Austin, tell the cops how they have to be trained to use it, but don’t stop them from using a taser. Otherwise the officer might have to resort to a stronger, more deadly force to stop a suspect.

And that’s not good for anyone.

I was reading the story about Pearland Police Officers receiving their Taser training when a important note about Houston’s Taser Training came to light:

Being shocked is not required in every department.

Houston Police Department officers do not get shocked during Taser training, but deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department have the option during their training. Deputies are not required to participate, Lt. John Martin said.

Yes, you read that right.  Houston does not actually have each officer stand on the receiving end of their Taser when being trained.

If you search any of the online video sites for “Taser” (Not linked since most have language not suitable for minors) you will find many videos of officers taking one.

While I, personally have no desire to be a living target for one of these, I certainly understand why many agencies would expect their officers to understand the power and capabilities of the device.  It makes the officer think when acting, since they know exactly what the person that’s at the other end of those barbs is feeling.  It also makes them think to release the trigger before more harm is done.

That, in itself is exactly why it should be done.  The fatalities and lawsuits that are appearing more and more frequently here in Houston says that the already overworked officers are quick to deploy, and quick to use the taser, but don’t know when to stop.

I believe it’s time that HPD require mandatory refresher training, and every officer is certified only after taking the juice.

UPDATE:
KHOU is reporting that the city controller is now reviewing the HPD Taser policy. Watch this space for further updates.