Eugene (KMTR) – Police using Tasers, one of Eugene’s hottest topics, got another airing Wednesday night as the Eugene Police Commission zeroed in on Taser-use policy.
A commission subcommittee met for the first time since a Eugene police officer used a stun gun on a University of Oregon student who cannot speak English.
That incident was not specifically discussed, but the commission continues to refine the Taser policy.
Topics at Wednesday’s meeting included the relative worth of video cameras mounted on Taser guns and the definition of "static resistance" when it comes to protest situations.
Audience members said they don't want the committee to lose sight of the ‘big picture,’ especially in light of this latest Taser incident.
"It erodes public safety. It may even injure, it in that people are more fearful. And a Taser is a dangerous weapon,” said Oliver Thornton, one of the audience members. “It think the police have to get back to the real issue, which is; when we use it, how does it protect public safety?"
Another attendee said, “Would people want to be shot with a .45, a 9mm, a shotgun or a Taser to subdue them? I mean, [with a Taser] they're up five minutes later—up and about. There are statistics that show a bullet is the last resort. With a Taser, you get a second chance."
The Police Commission subcommittee still has several meetings left before the Taser policy review is completed.
