NYCLU says Brooklyn man’s death shows potential danger in expanding NYPD’s use of tasers

September 25, 2008
Empirestatenews.net

NEW YORK -- The New York Civil Liberties Union Thursday expressed concern about the NYPD’s consideration of expanding its use of Tasers, in light of the death of Inman Morales, who died from a fall Wednesday after police shot him with a Taser as he stood on the ledge of a Brooklyn apartment building.

The following statement can be attributed to NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“At a time when the NYPD is considering arming patrol officers with Tasers, this incident illustrates the dangers they pose and highlights the need for both clear policies and extensive training on the use of these potentially deadly weapons.

“Clearly, firing a Taser at someone is a poor substitute for strong police negotiating skills and common sense. While there may be instances where Tasers are effective and appropriate law enforcement tools, they require the same degree of scrutiny and supervision as handguns.

“The NYPD has appropriately acknowledged that the Taser use in this incident violated Department guidelines. We urge Commissioner Kelly to proceed cautiously and seek public input as he considers the Rand Corporation’s recommendation to expand the Department’s use of Tasers.”