HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.13.2006 (3)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 13, 2006
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Greenwood, Getty, Cole,
Schmitt.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Tom Jennings, Police Chief, reported the Police Department is looking at purchasing Tasers for
the officers. Chief Jennings stated that they are looking at the Tasers as a way to prevent injuries
to the officers, which would save the city money as the Police Department paid work comp
claims of $77,000.00 in a 6 month period.
Tom Smith, President of Taser International, reviewed the company's background and the
development of the Taser M26 in 1999 and the Taser X26 in 2003. Mr. Smith reviewed the
Tasers' impact on reduction in lethal force, officer injuries, suspect injuries, use -of -force
litigation and worker's comp claims. Mr. Smith reported over 8,500 law enforcement agencies
use Tasers.
Mr. Smith disputed the myth that the high voltage from the Tasers are dangerous. Taser devices
are designed to over stimulate and control systems of the human body, transmitting controlled
pulses that are carefully designed to impair conscious control of the skeletal muscles without
affecting the heart or other vital organs. Mr. Smith stated it is not the voltage that determines the
effects of electricity on the body, but rather the amount of electric current (measured in amperes)
that matters most. While the Taser devices deliver a peak open -circuit voltage of up to 50,000
volts to allow the Taser discharge to arc through clothing, the average current delivered is only
0.0036 amperes. Mr. Smith stated that Tasers are not entirely risk free but must be compared
with risk vs. benefits.
Mr. Smith stated he feels the use of Tasers will reduce work comp claims 75 to 80 percent
because the majority of the claims are a result of police officers fighting with individuals and the
secondary cost is overtime and follow-up medical treatment.
Frank Dowie, an agent from PDCM, reported he does not feel the use of Tasers will increase the
city's liability exposure. Mr. Dowie stated St. Paul, the city's insurance carrier, has created
prodigals for Tasers and Chief Jennings has reviewed them and the Police Department will
establish its prodigals for the use of Tasers. Mr. Dowie stated that officers are required to
receive four hours of instruction on the use of Tasers and will have to be recertified. Mr. Dowie
stated the use of Tasers should not impact the city's liability rates, and that St. Paul Insurance has
not had a law suit filed because of the use of Tasers.
Councilperson Gunderson stated there are a lot of law suits floating around and asked what will
happen when these law suits are won and can the city afford multi -million dollar judgments. Mr.
Dowie responded anyone has the ability to sue and we can't control them. Mr. Dowie stated if
four or five lawsuits were filed in a two-year period and depending on the outcome in court, the
insurance company could raise the city's rates or elect not to provide coverage for the Tasers.
Mr. Smith reported they have been involved in 40 lawsuits, and 13 have been dismissed, one
went to jury trial and Tasers won. Mr. Smith stated when there is a lawsuit, they will fight
aggressively with the cities to defend the claim.
Jim Walsh, City Attorney, stated when there is a lawsuit we would refer to this work session and
show there was due diligence, proper training, and that the reason the officers are using Tasers is
to prevent injuries and save lives.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Schmitt that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:28 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk