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

[Carl G. Estabrook]

Tasers could be approved for the Champaign police if they were to be carried in place of the current sidearms.

Firearms would be held by the police on the British model: not every officer would carry one, but they would be available if needed.

That’s been the British practice for some time; modern communications would seem to make it even more practical.

Cases like that of Tamar Rice make it clear that guns should not be the police’ first resort: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/26/tamir-rice-video-shows-boy-shot-police-cleveland <http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/26/tamir-rice-video-shows-boy-shot-police-cleveland>

  —CGE


> On Oct 27, 2015, at 11:16 PM, Stuart Levy via Peace-discuss <peace-discuss at lists.chambana.net> wrote:
> 
> 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> <mailto:lynn.stuckey at hotmail.com>
> To:	stuart levy <stuartnlevy at gmail.com> <mailto: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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