Groom-to-Be Tasered at Bachelor Party

High spirited pranks are the norm for bachelor parties around the country – and even around the world. However, when law enforcement officers step out of line – and use departmental equipment to do so, the results are likely to last longer than the hangover.

Knox County, Maine officials had to discipline five of their finest after things got out of hand at a bachelor party on Labor Day weekend last year. The groom-to-be was Tasered, hogtied, then covered with oil, topped off with feathers and paraded around the downtown area of Camden in the back of a pickup truck.

Even though the antics were “all in good fun” some lines of propriety were crossed.

First, departmental equipment was used. Deputy John Palmer said that “a sergeant with many years of experience had directed him” to pick up the Taser from nearby Lincoln County (Knox County doesn’t have any Tasers) and deliver it to the party and that the sergeant was in attendance at the event.

Second, thou shalt not violate the private life statutes of the Sheriff’s Department policy. They state, in part, “I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or my agency.”

A video of the event was viewed by a departmental lieutenant who did not seem inclined to take any disciplinary action, at the time.

All five of the Rockland, Maine deputies involved violated department policy concerning professional responsibilities and prohibited conduct.