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Taser Use...Explained

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By: Justin Williams
Updated: Wed 2:12 PM, Feb 23, 2005
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Madison Police Chief Noble Wray says he hasn't changed his position on tasers.
"Based upon the information that I have reviewed, I believe it is safe at this particular time."

Neither has Laquitha Goodwin.

"I'm upset and it's a everyday–process for me. It just won't die, it just won't go away just yet."

Today, Chief Wray released the Department's Taser Report, a recent review of the department's rules regarding taser–use.

Madison police lieutenant Victor Wahl, explains, "Our deployment of the taser has very clearly resulted in reductions of injuries to officers and to suspects."

The effort to re–examine police department policies was prompted by a situation involving Officer Tim Harder, whom police say was justified in using a taser to subdue Dalarence Goodwin January 21st at Memorial High School.
His mother questions Harder's actions.
"I'm still frustrated, to be honest, you know, that this whole thing happened."

Meanwhile, Wray says the report represents one step in the effort to educate the public.
It describes taser deployment 92 times in 83 police incidents since the summer of 2003.
It also attributes a decrease in the number of officer and suspect injuries resulting from use–of–force encounters to the taser.

Wray says the information is being made available to the public so people can provide feedback in the weeks to come.
"We will take all of this information and then, review our policies, procedures and training, and make revisions or adjustments if, and where appropriate. This review will be shared with the community."

The Taser Report is available on the Madison Police Department's website.
Chief Wray says a March 2nd Public Forum regarding taser-use will take place at a yet–to–be determined location.


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