Critics Blast Taser Guns At Task Force Meeting



Story by local6.com

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Parents, an attorney and a former teacher told a task force created to investigate the use of Taser guns in Orange County, Fla., that the devices should not be used in schools or on the streets, according to a Local 6 News report.

The public was given an opportunity to give their opinion on the controversial Taser guns Tuesday night.

"The Orange County sheriff's department, I believe has some of the worst history of the use of Tasers in the United States," attorney Howard Marks said during the task force meeting.

Several suspects have died in Florida from indirect complications after they were hit with 50,000 volts of electricity from Taser guns.

"Because most people believe they won't kill someone they'll probably use them more often than they need to," parent Tim Adams said.

Medical experts have testified that Taser guns are safe on an adult and child, Local 6 News reported. But that has not convinced some residents that the devices should be used in schools.

"To me, Tasing children would be child abuse," former teacher Marie Palmer said. "You tell me a law enforcement officer can't apprehend a child? "If not, you're in the wrong profession."

Some school resource officers in Florida carry Taser guns and used them last year, Local 6 News reported.

Deputies said the device saves lives, protects deputies and even protect suspects.

"If you put an age limit on a 12-year-old, and all of a sudden the next day the 12-year-old brings a gun and tries to shoot someone and you use a Taser, is that officer a hero, or a policy violator?" Sheriff's deputy David Ogden said.

Local 6 News reported that there were many people for the use of Taser guns but they did not speak at the task force meeting.

The task force's half-year investigation has been completed, Local 6 News has learned The report's findings will be given to Sheriff Kevin Beary in about a month.

Beary will then decide if there will be changes concerning Taser guns in schools or on the streets.