TASER Devices to be redistributed to Police Force

The BART Police Department will begin redistributing its TASER devices to its officers after a brief suspension period while officers underwent retraining and were updated on the new department policies.

Within the next week BART police officers in the department should be reunited once again with their self defense tools; however officers will also be presented with the opportunity to decide whether or not they want to continue utilizing them.

BART initially released a memo in the middle of April where it informed its officers about the suspension of the TASER weapons during the retraining period.

During the suspension period, the BART Police Department was in the process of updating its policy regarding the use of these devices. This new policy put into place incorporates findings of a report undertaken by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, in addition to best practices used by other agencies.

On New Year’s Day in 2009 a BART passenger was killed at the hands of a former BART police officer after a TASER device was employed on him. The comprehensive report undertaken was also aimed at that incident, detailing new practices relating to the self defense tools.

Since that incident however the utilization of these devices has become a controversial issues. Now officers who decide to carry a TASER device with them will be required to wear the weapon on what is considered their “weak” side. Whereas before officers were presented with three options with regards to where they could wear the tool.

Fortunately, officers who carry a self defense device around with them while on duty are first required to undergo extensive training. This training ultimately helps them when it comes to knowing how and when they should operate the device. Not only that, but an officer will continue to receive training which maximizes their ability to use the tool in the correct manner and frame of mind. Constant training is needed.

When it comes to a dangerous situation, a police officer is required to be able to assess the situation in a calm manner, thus helping to reduce the danger level, by utilizing his TASER weapon in an effective manner for fast results.

After all, whatever we do in life, we need consistent training to make sure we’re on top of the latest rules and regulations, which will ultimately provide a better outcome.