Fiscal Note
The Police Department currently has no budget authorization or funding to purchase additional Tasers. Supplies would be purchased from grant funds or available operating budget funds.
Title
Requesting that the Madison Police Department cease the use and rescind the authorization to purchase Tasers until such time as their safety can be confirmed or alternative devices of proven safety and effectiveness can be utilized.
Body
Whereas, the City of Madison has one of the finest police forces in the nation, and;
Whereas, our police department has led the nation on a variety of community oriented policing initiatives, and;
Whereas, our police department is dedicated to a process of continual improvement, and;
Whereas, the use of Tasers and their role in 86 deaths, one-third related to some kind of heart failure, could potentially have liability impact for the City of Madison, and;
Whereas, Madison Police Department officers use Tasers on patrol, and;
Whereas, Tasers have begun to be available for civilian purchase and use,
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Mayor and the Common Council of the City of Madison request that the Madison Police Department cease the use and rescind the authorization to purchase Tasers until such time as their safety can be confirmed or alternative devices of proven safety and effectiveness can be utilized.