Stun Guns Considered In Ohio

In spite of objections from the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), another police department has joined the ranks of those which have approved the use of stun guns and are issuing them to their officers. In the past, officers had a severely limited number of options when dealing with unruly citizens who were endangering themselves or others, including the authorities.

The Yellow Springs Police Department was forced to re-evaluate its position after an incident earlier this year. Police Chief John Grote had long been opposed to the use of stun guns in dealing with violent situations. In January, however, it became apparent that something beyond the usual standard issue weapons on the utility belt could have interrupted a confrontation before it became necessary for the officer involved to draw and fire his service revolver.

Although there were no fatalities, the entire community was shaken by the incident and forced Chief Grote to take another look at the option of stun guns.