Taser reorder concerns two commissioners

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

Despite concerns over the use of Tasers by police and the recording device on the electronic stun guns, Key West City Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 6 to replace 60 outdated Tasers with new models.

 

The police department purchased 91 Tasers in 2009 but that model is no longer made by the company. The new model is more compact, has an extended battery life and a high definition camera that turns on automatically when the Taser is in use. The recording capability of the gun was of particular interest to Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Teri Johnston. Johnston asked Key West Police Chief Donni Lee if the new model ensures that all audio and video recordings on each Taser would be retained “for the appropriate situations.”

 

“I think those are valid concerns,” she said.

 

Lopez said he wanted to make sure that any updated training and all Taser operational protocols would be followed by officers using the new model.

 

“When we first approved the Tasers for the police…. I expressed at that time some concerns about the usage and how this particular piece of equipment would be used. I still have some of those concerns,” Lopez told Lee.

 

Lee said that the new Tasers are essentially the same tool as the older models and that new, specialized training above what is normally done would not be necessary.

 

“We train every year on Taser. It’s mandatory. We are always looking at our policies to improve areas where they are deficient or need more training,” Lee said.

 

Despite the National Institute of Justice stating in 2011 there is no conclusive evidence that Tasers pose a risk of serious injury or death to individuals, Matthew Murphy is still in a coma after being stunned by Key West Police Officer Mark Siracuse in 2011. Murphy fell and hit his head after being shot with a Taser during a Duval Street fight.

 

The 60 new Tasers will cost the city $161,816. The first payment of $94,516 will be paid by funds from state forfeiture funds.

 

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