Group Gathers Signatures for Taser Restrictions

As we come into the age of advanced weaponry and surveillance used against citizens by law enforcement, the laws against abuses will take time to emerge and come into effect: perhaps years. Ironically the surveillance used on ordinary citizens has now captured police officers using the taser inappropriately in instances where such force was unnecessary. Officers Caught on Camera Increase Scrutiny

The internet (and this blog) is awash with horrifying videos of taser abuse. Anyone who hasn't watched at least some of these should have a look-see.

taser deaths

california taser abuses

Such injustices and perversion of human rights will eventually draw heroes from the people themselves - who will demand that laws protect their rights against taser-happy cops who can explain away every taser incident as 'justified'. (Sounds a bit like the bankster rationale - after all, they weren't breaking any laws.)

The story below is of just such people, who have taken to the streets to bring about change to laws involving the use of tasers on citizens. I salute them for their courage.

Group Gathers Signatures for Taser Restrictions
Click above link to view video

By Stacia Kalinoski
April 10, 2010

EUGENE, Ore. -- Outrage over EPD's use of taser guns has spurred one man to try and change the policy.

Randy Prince wants a city ordinance that classifies tasers as deadly weapons. He brought the idea before the public at the Saturday Market, recruiting others to help him gather signatures. He's hoping to find enough names to put the proposal on the November ballot.

Though no one has died from being stunned by EPD, Prince says it has happened elsewhere, and therefore says it makes sense to place it under the same restrictions as a firearm.

He wants to limit taser use to the very serious cases, and says an ordinance will help decrease potential abuse of the weapon by officers.

"We think by carrying this petition that it's not enough to advise the police chief through some city council committees. We want the principal established that people shouldn't be killed over lesser offenses, and the problem is, is that the taser does kill," he said.

Prince needs more than 12,000 registered Eugene voters in the next three months to get this on the November ballot. Saturday, he recruited nearly 20 others to help him, and he plans to hit the campus area hard the next few weeks to gather signatures.

Prince said this measure could also regulate civilian use. While not putting a ban on tasers, he said new rules could change how residents use tasers for self defense.


Related: Taser International sued for product causing cardiac arrest