The Associated Press
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) --The Fraternal Order of Police is supporting a proposed ban on the sale and possession of stun guns by civilians in the city.
While state law allows anyone older than 18 to possess a stun gun, the city ordinance would allow for fines of up to $500 for a third offense.
Sgt. Scott Ruszkowski, the FOP lodge president, said he supported the proposed ban because of the danger they pose to police officers.
One model allows someone to stand up to 15 feet away from a person and fire two darts that carry an incapacitating electric current.
Ruszkowski is among four city officers who train others in how to use the guns. He said he learned about the availability of the weapons when he was contacted by a company wanting to hire him to teach civilian classes on their use.
“You can fight through pepper spray, you can even fight through a gunshot, but you can’t fight through this,” Ruszkowski said. “They can take your car, take your gun, take your cash, whatever they want. With this, you fall to the ground like a board.”
Several cities and states have already banned the sale or possession of stun guns, including Chicago and Michigan, where it is a felony.
City Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand said none of the existing bans on stun guns have been overturned in legal challenges.
The proposed ordinance is on the City Council’s agenda for consideration during its March 8 meeting.
State law makes it a misdemeanor to use a stun gun while committing a crime and a felony to use such a device on a police officer.
But Councilman Derek Dieter, a sponsor of the proposed ban, said the additional restrictions were necessary.
“It’s a weapon you don’t have to have a license for,” Dieter said.