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Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Issues Recommendations on Use of Electronic Control Weapons

"Electronic control weapons when used in accordance with the law have the potential to reduce injuries to suspects, prisoners and officers"

The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) last month published a White Paper "Electronic Weapons in Georgia: Review and Recommendations." The group sought to "develop a model policy for the use of electronic control weapons, including TASER brand devices; determine where the use of electronic control weapons falls on the use of force continuum; and to complete a white paper on the research concerning the known medical and physical effects of electronic weapons."

After a review of use in specific cases, in-custody deaths, policy, legal and other considerations, the committee concluded that "Electronic control weapons when used in accordance with the law have the potential to reduce injuries to suspects, prisoners and officers." The report recognized and condemned the use of such weapons as punishment or to cause pain, and recommended that agency heads develop policy, training and reporting requirements:
  • Policy: Law enforcement agencies should promulgate a policy governing the use of electronic control weapons. This policy should be specifically tailored to the needs of their agencies and should provide guidance in the specific areas discussed earlier in this paper, particularly placement of the electronic control weapon on the use of force continuum.
  • Training: Agencies should provide training to their officers prior to deploying electronic control weapons.
  • Reporting: Agencies should require their officer to report every time the electronic control weapon is used and the circumstances leading to the use. Agencies should provide for a supervisor's report and inquiry into the circumstances. These reports should be reviewed by agency heads because they may reveal patterns or trends that could indicate training needs and/or policy modifications.