Oxford police will again be equipped with air Tasers beginning Jan. 1, 2010.
Debate about the halt on Taser use by the Oxford police came to a close at the city council meeting Tuesday night as the city manager and police chief announced the new policy to council and the Oxford community.
After small changes are made to the policy at council's request, Doug Elliott, city manager, will sign the new policy into effect Dec. 1. At that time, all officers will be trained regardless of previous instruction, and the new training will be completed by the first of the year, according to Elliott.
With a policy for firearms and pepper spray as protocol, having a policy for Tasers is important too, Elliott said.
"City council has weighed in, the public has weighed in," Elliott said.
The previous Taser policy, under which Miami alumnus Kevin Piskura's death occurred in April 2008, was put into place in November 2007 under Interim City Manager Mike Dreisback, according to Elliott.
The new policy has been reorganized and made easy to understand in comparison, Elliott said.
"If you were to compare this to the original policy it is significantly different," Elliott said.
The issue of how to handle the use of a Taser on a highly intoxicated, mentally or physically handicapped subject or a subject fleeing a misdemeanor not involved in a crime of violence are outlined by the new policy and were the subject of council debate.
Under the new policy, a Taser will not be deployed when there is "minimal physical resistance" in the described situations, according to the document.
"I want our language to be able to protect our citizens and our officers," said Councilor Greg Rutherford.
Oxford police used Taser International for training purposes prior to Piskura's death.
Questions about Taser International's training protocol began then and continue to be a major concern by those not in support of this policy.
Although Taser International will continue offering the training, Councilor Alysia Fischer said she would like to see a continual push by the police department for secondary training.
Elliott said he is open to the training sessions.
"I'm sure if anyone is interested in witnessing this training we can make that happen," Elliott said.
Oxford resident Janis Dutton also spoke to city council Tuesday evening. She mentioned the six deaths that have allegedly occurred because of Tasers nationwide since city council had a Taser meeting in October.
Rutherford, however, said he remained in support of the Taser policy.
"I'm in favor of our officers carrying the Taser," Rutherford said.
Elliott, who said he would personally prefer not using Tasers, said he also believes it is necessary for Oxford police officers to have every tool at their disposal.
Elliot said he supports the fact that the policy has been put into place with public, city council and police input.
"This is all about using the least amount of force when making an arrest," Elliott said.
