[Peace-discuss] Nov 3rd: want to join CUCPJ in speaking against tasers for Champaign police?

[Stuart Levy]

The Champaign police don't currently have tasers, but they would like to
get them.

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.   

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.)

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!



-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: 	The Champaign Police Department is requesting TASERS--possible
pushback?
Date: 	Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:39:39 +0000
From: 	Lynn Stuckey <lynn.stuckey at hotmail.com>
To: 	stuart levy <stuartnlevy at gmail.com>



Dear Friends: 

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.

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.

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.

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) 

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.

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. 

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.

I greatly appreciate the time you have spent reading this e-mail, and
await any questions you may have regarding this topic.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Lynn Stuckey



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