Document: The UCPD's Guidelines For The Use of Tasers

Read it yourself. It may be that it says what you imagine beforehand it ought to say, because I read it as basically validating my educated-guesswork about standard police policy on this.

But Jim Treacher says that based on his reading (which may include sources besides this one) the UCPD has a more flexible poicy on the Taser than LAPD.

To me, the main thrust of the policy is that Tasing is permitted to subdue or control a potentially violent suspect or suspect violenntly resisting arrest. I think the protestor/douchebag who was Tased was pretty obviously both "subdued" and "controlled." He also wasn't cooperating, but he definitely was subdued and controlled.

One line mentions that a Taser can be used with a "skirimish line" is formed -- presumably against rioters or a mass of protestors -- when "passive resistors" are encontered. I suppose that can be read as justifying the tasing, but it seems strained to me. That seems to cover the situation when you're facing a lot of demonstrators, and need to assert control over the situation, and may not have the time or manpower to physically carry every protestor into the paddy wagon.

When there's just one guy, you really have all the time in the world.

posted by Ace at 02:54 PM

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