- West Memphis Police Department gets new Taser Policy
- Officer concerned it may put police at risk
- Puts officers too close to suspects
(West Memphis, AR 11/10/2009) A change in policy has a high ranking officer at the West Memphis Police Department worried about officer's safety.
It all has to do with a change in the Taser policy.
"It's a scary change and it's a step backwards."
Officers have been asked to try and avoid shooting suspects in the chest.
Stun gun maker Taser international says they pose an "extremely low" risk of heart attack.
The other change at the heart of Captain Donald Oakes' concern is when they can use the weapon.
Before the policy change officers could fire the weapon before a physical altercation ensued.
Now they have to wait until a suspect puts their hands on them, threatens them or physically resists arrest.
Captain Oakes says that's too close for comfort.
"It's going to lead to more suspect injuries and more officer injuries because we're forced to use sprays and impact weapons and come into hands-on contact with people," explains Captain Oakes.
West Memphis City Council unanimously agreed to the changes recommended by Taser International, The police chief and the city's police commission.
Councilman Marco McClendon says the policy changes are a "step in the right direction," but he still has concerns. Especially after what happened to DeWayne Chatt.
The West Memphis man was tasered by police when he locked himself in the manager's office at Dodge's Convenience store in 2008. Police tasered him three times to get him into custody. He later died at the Crittenden County Jail.
Councilman McClendon says paramedics weren't called after Chatt was tasered. He wants to make that standard procedure.
"I'm not saying a taser took his life but I think if emergency treatment was called, he may have possibly had a better chance to live."
Stun gun maker Taser International has released studies saying a shot to the chest has an "extremely low" risk of causing a heart attack.
