New Jersey panel to study police use of non-lethal ammo

July 31, 2007
Rick Hepp, newjersey.com

According to this article, New Jersey is the only state that prohibits police from using "less-lethal" weapons such as a stun gun or Taser.

The Attorney General wants an advisory group to "recommend whether the state's current use of force policy should be revised to authorize the use of less lethal ammunition or stun guns in specific circumstances where deadly force might not be justified under current law. The group, which will have at least one public hearing, is expected to issue a report by December 1st."

It will be co-chaired by a retired Superior Court appellate judge, the executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, a couple of prosecutors and the executive director of the Mental Health Association of Essex County.

What about an addictions expert? A social worker? A human rights advocate? A risk manager? This tree needs to grow branches. Others would - and should - have something to add to this discussion. And they should not be made to come up with a 5-minute presentation at a public hearing. They should be at this table.

You can bet the manufacturer will jump at this chance to help the group make its decision. (The manufacturer was granted "standing" at the Inquest into my brother's death, if you can believe it.) There is no way this little news item has escaped them.

I can see the headline now: "Stocks soar as tasers jolt all 52 states." That's what it's all about, you know.