In praise of Tasers?
The Journal Star talked to law enforcement leaders who have nothing but praise for Tasers.
I tend to agree that it’s better to Taser someone than to shoot ‘em with with bullets. But would it have killed the JS to talk to someone who isn’t as enthusiastic about their use? You know, to get the contrary point of view?
I mean, this is new technology and most departments have set up strict rules for when and how these things can be used. But what about five or ten years from now, when some police start using these things at the drop of a hat, or simply to shut up someone who gets a little too mouthy?
It’s just a thought.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
The only people not enthused with tasers are the NAACP becuase they have to have something to bitch about. The NAACP’s motto should be “Protect the criminals at all costs”
My two cents: The local NAACP weakens its own credibility by crying wolf. Don Jackson basically accused the PPD of being racists because black teens would be among those arrested for truancy.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t the possibility of abuse of tasers that needs to be addressed. It’s possibille to address without coming to the conlcusion Peoria cops are looking for the chance to zap young black males.
[...] Yes, I criticized the Journal Star for not including criticism of Tasers in today’s article on the topic. It turns out that there were two sidebars, one about wrongful death suits and another about Amnesty International’s objection to the devices. [...]