Posted on: Friday, July 23, 2004
Maui police to begin using Tasers
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Staff Writer
WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui Police Department will become the second police force in Hawai'i to use Taser stun guns after the purchase of two dozen of the hand-held weapons for a pilot project.
Maui Police Chief Tom Phillips said yesterday he supports use of the stun guns by police despite reports this week by The Arizona Republic and The New York Times that raised questions about the device's safety and lack of significant medical testing by Arizona-based manufacturer Taser International Inc.
The New York Times reported Sunday that since 2001, at least 50 people, including six in June, have died after being shocked with stun guns. The Arizona Republic investigation revealed that medical examiners have linked Tasers to at least five deaths.
The manufacturer has disputed the findings in at least one of the deaths, and it maintains its stun guns are safe and nonlethal.
Phillips said he hadn't seen any reports about Taser-related deaths, but he said that doesn't mean it isn't possible.
"You could hit someone with a baton and cause a death," the chief said.
After the Legislature legalized Tasers for law enforcement use in 2001, the Honolulu Police Department began using them this May as part of a federally financed six-month pilot program.
In Honolulu, the use of Taser stun guns have caused no problems, according to Stephen Watarai, assistant chief in charge of the Central Patrol District.
"It's gone very well," Watarai said of the pilot project. "It's gone far beyond our expectations."
The Maui Police Department is developing policies and procedures for use of the weapons that deliver a 25,000-volt jolt of electricity aimed at immobilizing suspects.
Money for the Maui weapons, about $26,000, came from savings from last year's Maui County budget. Each weapon is worth about $1,000 apiece, not counting training rounds.
Phillips said that if the Tasers work as they have for a growing number of Mainland police departments, he would expect to pursue enough money to arm all of Maui's patrol officers.
Maui County officers have had to endure an increasing number of assaults in recent years, Phillips said.
"We hope it's an equalizer," he said. "Most of the suspects our officers confront are bigger, stronger and under the influence of something. We hope it reduces officer injuries and saves lives."
Phillips denied that two fatal Maui police shootings last year and two other nonfatal shootings prompted the department to try out the Tasers. He said officials have been exploring the idea of using stun guns since the Legislature authorized their use.
Taser International says 5,400 police departments are deploying its stun guns.
The model used by Maui police uses compressed nitrogen to shoot two small probes up to 21 feet. The probes are connected to the weapon by high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes make contact with the target, the weapon transmits powerful electrical pulses along the wires and through up to two inches of clothing.
Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
