(2009-01-04) In Oklahoma last month a 53 year old man driving on the interstate went into a severe diabetic shock, barely getting his truck stopped safely. Responding officers Tasered him for refusing to comply with orders that his medical state left him unable to follow. (A patient going comatose – there’s a threat that demands immediate near-lethal force.)
In Maryland a federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to proceed, an unusual step in an era when police can generally use force with legal impunity. At issue in this case is an officer’s repeated use of a Taser in the death of a 20 year old man in November 2007. By their civil suit, the family apparently seeks accountability not afforded them through the rest of the county system. Maybe a jury will actually decide this one.
Those examples and more will surely form input to a new Task Force on Electronic Weapons that has been formed by Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. This group is chartered to study Tasers and related weapons, with its report to be released by end of 2009. Presumably its findings might form the basis for policy recommendations in the following (2010) legislative session, though an election year is a tough time to grapple with issues of substance.
One policy recommendation may get attention far earlier. Montgomery County’s Delegate Gutiérrez is pushing the county delegation to endorse a proposal that all law enforcement officers issued electronic weapons should also be issued an automated external defibrillator (with training in same.) This bill is probably worth a look. Cops issued sidearms get access to trauma bandages and first aid training. Those issued pepper spray also get cleaning wipes and an antidote. Maybe those who are issued shock weapons should be given tools to resuscitate a victim too.