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Two commissioners say "no" on Tasers

Two Guilford County Commissioners said they wouldn't vote for the sheriff's department to have more Taser stun guns because of concerns about them being used in schools.

At their Feb. 4 meeting the commissioners approved 10 more Taser stun guns for the Sheriff BJ Barnes' deputies -- but Commissioners Bruce Davis and Carolyn Coleman said they couldn't support the move.

"We need a study on the use of these Tasers and we should eliminate them from the school system," Coleman said.

Davis said the controversy over the Tasers' use by School Resource Officers in the county's schools was "an ongoing issue" that would have to be resolved before he would vote in favor of purchasing more of the weapons.

The commissioners approved the purchase with a 9-2 vote, authorizing Barnes to spend $24,494 for ten Taser kits with holsters and a training suit to help deputies learn to use them.

The Tasers have been used in Guilford County schools four times in the last two years. The devices deliver a 50,000-volt electric shock for 5-seconds.

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Posted by Joe Killian on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 2:29 pm

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Brandon Burgess

February 5, 2010 - 4:32 pm EST

Carolyn Coleman, why do we need a study if you have already decided that we should eliminate tasers from schools? Why should an officer be deprived of non-lethal weaponry? Would you rather a deputy have to use a baton or mace an entire crowd during a fight? I expected an issue such as this to receive careful consideration. No, not in Guilford County.

EGParent

February 12, 2010 - 4:11 pm EST

Bruce Davis, Carolyn Coleman, Deena Hayes
...who am I missing here...and what is the real issue...

How much time have these three spent in a school/bus recently? with an SRO officer? with a Principal?
None of them are qualified to make decisions concerning safety in our schools...

Unaffiliated

February 16, 2010 - 3:49 pm EST

Carolyn,Bruce, and elected officials who oppose tasers in schools: Take the Citizen's Academy offered by Sheriff's office. Become informed so you can make informed decisions
It's absolutely shameful but a reality that SRO officers, school employees & students be in a safe environment for learning to happen.