Taser Helps Restore Order in High School

School Resource Officers (SROs) are universally finding that having a Taser on their utility belts provides a much needed option in the interventions hierarchy when dealing with unruly or violent students. Virtually all school districts have strict guidelines governing conditions under which any level of force may be used to manage student behavior.

In a recent confrontation with two students, SRO Greg Carson finally had to resort to Tasering one of a pair of boys who refused to back down from their escalating behaviors. Chattanooga’s Hixson High School was the scene of two days’ worth of classroom arguments between a couple of students.

According to Hamilton County Sheriff’s spokesperson Janice Atkinson the boys embarked on day two of an ongoing argument while in class. The teacher summoned SRO Carson who directed that they stop the disruptive behavior. Fortunately, one followed directions. The other did not. He became even more agitated and aggressive toward the SRO. Following repeated warnings the SRO used his Taser on the student, thus bringing the situation under control while avoiding injury to the participants or any bystanders. According to school policy, officials called Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services who checked the student.

The incident ended in the arrest of one student who was charged with Disorderly Conduct and received a Citation arrest. The more aggressive student was also charged with Disorderly Conduct and with Assault on an Officer. He was transported to the county Juvenile Detention Center.