RNC Prepares for Protesters. Read the News Article Too.

RNC Prepares for Protesters. Read the news article too. – Police force will have 370 Tasers just in time for RNC www.myfoxtwincities.com Last Edited: Saturday, 16 Feb 2008, 8:29 AM CST Created: Saturday, 16 Feb 2008, 8:29 AM CST ST. PAUL — St. Paul police are about to issue Tasers to all 370 officers on the force. Police say they are a safe way to stop a potential threat, but some people say Tasers are dangerous and sometimes deadly. Police spokesman Tom Walsh says the Taser is stronger than a verbal order and less dangerous than a gun, especially in the case of a violent or unstable subject. “It’s a safety issue for both the person being arrested and the officer,” Walsh said. “The bottom line is the Taser is an effective device that does not require the use of deadly force.” Currently, 140 St. Paul police officers carry Tasers. The addition of another 230 will bring the total to 37- — one for every officer on the force. The 230 new Tasers will cost 0000 — paid for with money seized during drug raids or other special investigations. The St. Paul City Council will vote Wednesday on whether to authorize the purchase of the Tasers, which they are likely to do. Four years ago, St. Paul police unveiled Tasers at a media event and now the Taser is in high demand. But questions about Tasers can’t escape law enforcement. Last month, March Backlund, 29, died after being shot with a Taser in New Brighton, Minn. The exact cause of his death is still under investigation. Scott Selmer, of the Urban League in St. Paul, believes Tasers …

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