The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Police officers will be banned from using Taser stun guns on handcuffed prisoners and discouraged from applying direct multiple shocks, following a department review and two in-custody deaths.
Police officials spent about four months evaluating Taser policy after the death of 26-year-old William Lomax, who authorities said was shocked repeatedly while handcuffed.
Another man, Keith Tucker, 47, died under similar circumstances in August.
Taser use of has come under increasing scrutiny nationwide in recent months, following published reports linking the device to deaths.
Las Vegas police began equipping 1,310 patrol officers and supervisors with 50,000-volt Taser guns in April 2003.
Undersheriff Doug Gillespie said Wednesday that because Tasers were fairly new to the department, the policy on their use was bound to be adjusted over time.
“The ultimate goal for us as an organization is to give our police officers a tool that they can use to appropriately take an individual into custody with the least amount of force,” he said.
“This policy clearly articulates, more so than the prior policy, the circumstances under which the Taser can be utilized, and it clarifies the reporting process and the oversight,” Gillespie said.
Gary Peck, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, said the policy scheduled to take effect Nov. 15 did not sound restrictive enough.
“Those Tasers should only be used in life-threatening situations, when it is necessary to protect the life of the officer and members of the community,” he said.