Cop Tasers 10 Year Old…

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In a story that seems even more far fetched than an episode of “COPS” an Arkansas police officer has been suspended in part for applying his taser to a 10 year old girl.

However, the oddest part to this story is not that the officer Dustin Bradshaw was suspended for using the taser, it was for not following police procedure in activating the video camera during the use of the taser.

In another twist, the girls mother gave the officer permission to use the taser.

When I read stories like this, I simply shudder.  This use of the taser on a CHILD is a grossly negligent use of this weapon.  Yes weapon, this is what a taser is.  It is a tool that should be used when you are step away from shooting somebody.  Had this officer not had the taser, would have he shot her?  Pepper sprayed her?  No probably not, I assume he would have taken physical control of her or called for another officer to help him take control of the girl.

I often wonder after reading stories like this or seeing episodes of COPS or other police reality shows that feature real-life footage if officers are straying away from their training and are using what they see on TV as a pseudo-authority for the use of the weapon.

This is not what the taser was intended for, and thankfully, in my experience, not how it is being applied in Canada, with the exception of the Robert Dziekanski incident in Vancouver.

I believe there is a culture of comfort surrounding the taser, whereas some officers are relying on it instead of using good old fashion communication.

About the Author

Ryan Venables
Ryan Venables is a third year law student at the University of Western Ontario. He holds B.A. (2001) from the University of Western Ontario in Political Science and Sociology. Ryan was also enrolled in a M.A.- Journalism at the University of Western Ontario before withdrawing to attend law school. Before pursuing a formal education in law, Ryan served with the York Regional Police as a police officer for five years specializing in organized crime. He also served in the Special Investigations Section with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for two years. His legal interests include employment/labour, criminal, family, and human rights law. When Ryan is done law school he will be articling with Ross & McBride LLP in Hamilton, Ontario.

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