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The Champaign police don't currently have tasers, but they would
like to get them.<br>
<br>
On Nov. 3rd, at 7pm, the Champaign City Council will vote on the
question. C-U Citizens for Peace and Justice is trying to organize
groups and individuals to join them in opposition to tasers. <br>
<br>
Would AWARE consider signing on to such a statement, as a group?
(Beware: I don't know whether a specific statement has been drafted
yet.)<br>
<br>
Also: if anyone on the list would like to speak as a citizen, either
in person at the Nov. 3rd meeting or by writing to the city council,
please do!<br>
<br>
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<th valign="BASELINE" align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap">Subject:
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<td>The Champaign Police Department is requesting
TASERS--possible pushback?</td>
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<th valign="BASELINE" align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap">Date: </th>
<td>Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:39:39 +0000</td>
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<th valign="BASELINE" align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap">From: </th>
<td>Lynn Stuckey <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:lynn.stuckey@hotmail.com"><lynn.stuckey@hotmail.com></a></td>
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<th valign="BASELINE" align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap">To: </th>
<td>stuart levy <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:stuartnlevy@gmail.com"><stuartnlevy@gmail.com></a></td>
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<div dir="ltr">Dear Friends: <br>
<br>
If you read the local newspapers or watch local news, you are
probably aware that the Champaign Police Department has
requested approval from the Champaign City Council for the
purchase and implementation of TASERS. This request was made at
the September 11, 2015 City Council Meeting.<br>
<br>
Several citizens spoke against this, but the Council, in a 6-3
vote, gave permission for the Police Department to continue
exploring the purchase of TASERS, and to develop policies
regarding their use.<br>
<br>
I am aware that the Champaign-Urbana Citizens for Peace and
Justice have discussed this, and are working on a response that
emphasizes how firmly they oppose this purchase and proposed
implementation.<br>
<br>
I am aware that this communication comes to you on very short
notice, but would your organization be interested in joining
with CUCPJ in speaking against this purchase? This topic is
scheduled to be discussed at the Champaign City Council meeting
on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015. (7 p.m., City Council
Chambers, 102 N. Neil St., Champaign) <br>
<br>
I have no doubt you are aware of the significant concerns
regarding the use and abuse of TASERS. Amnesty International
estimates that almost 600 people have died after being TASED.
TASERS are touted as being nonlethal, or less lethal than
firearms, yet TASERS were nearly banned in Canada because of the
injuries and deaths they caused.<br>
<br>
Significant concerns exist that TASERS will be used against our
fellow citizens of African-American or Latina/o origin at rates
that far exceed the percentage of African-American and/or
Latina/o citizens in our county. In the early 2000's, TASERS
were used to torture some detainees at the Champaign County
Jail, leading to the termination of an officer's employment. <br>
<br>
If your organization cannot join in this effort at this time, do
you have members who might be interested in attending this
meeting and addressing this topic? If yes, please feel free to
forward this e-mail to them.<br>
<br>
I greatly appreciate the time you have spent reading this
e-mail, and await any questions you may have regarding this
topic.<br>
<br>
I hope to hear from you soon.<br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
<br>
Lynn Stuckey<br>
<br>
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