HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2004-05-24 #Z AGENDA REPORT
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DATE: May 24, 2004 -
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: John B. Bahorski, City Manager
FROM: Chief Michael F. Sellers
SUBJECT: Purchase of TASER brand energy weapons
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Police Department requests City Council approval of the purchase of 12 TASER
brand energy weapons. These weapons are a contemporary "less - lethal" option.
Officers would use these weapons to obtain compliance from combative
suspects. The TASERS would be purchased with grant funds that have already
been obtained and dedicated towards the purchase of "less lethal" weapons.
BACKGROUND:
In anticipation of arrest situations involving combative or resisting subjects law
enforcement officers have been given tools and training to make the arrest or
apprehension. The tools range from pepper spray which has no lasting ill effects,
and has been shown to be effective on most people, to firearms, to be used only
in the most dire circumstances, and usually resulting in costly and time
consuming litigation. Officers are trained to use command presence, and "verbal
judo" to persuade people to comply, and they are also trained in a variety of pain
compliance control holds. Again, these tactics are effective on most people, but
the use of pain compliance holds exposes the officer and the city to liability as
both the officer and the subject receiving use of force may be injured.
In the interest of having a well- equipped modern police force, the police
department has been researching alternatives to the traditional use of force. Most
of this research has been directed toward "less- lethal" weapons. In the recent
past the staff was issued pepper spray with a greater concentration of irritant,
and the department has also outfitted patrol units with the "less- lethal" shotgun,
which shoots a flexible bag of #9 shot weighing 40 grams.
This situation in not unique to Seal Beach, and as a result there are several
companies who have been developing tools for law enforcement officers. One
tool in particular that has been developed and refined over 20 years is the
electronic "stun gun," or energy weapon. Research into this weapon has resulted
in constant refinement in its effectiveness, and professional acceptance. The
most widely accepted and respected energy weapon manufacturer is TASER
International.
Agenda Item Z
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TASER Agenda Report - 2 - Mav 24, 2004
TASER International products have been deployed in larger agencies like the
Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office, and Phoenix (Arizona) P.D. The weapon
has resulted in an estimated $2,500,000 reduction in liability costs in the Los
Angeles Sheriffs Office, and a 50% reduction in the application of lethal force by
Phoenix police. Denver (Colorado) police recorded an 89% reduction in injuries
to suspects.
The TASER has been shown to have no lasting physical effects. The TASER
does not cause electrocution. The TASER is deployed one of two ways. The first
is by firing a cartridge that is loaded into the TASER. That cartridge sends two
darts a maximum of 21'. These darts hook into the suspect's skin or clothing. The
dart or probe then sends an electrical pulse that penetrates the suspect's skin.
That electrical pulse disrupts the suspect's ability to send the necessary signals
to his /her muscles to effectively resist. The second way to operate the TASER is
to use the "drive stun" tactic, where the operator places the TASER into direct
contact with the suspect and activates the unit. Police Department policy would
place this weapon at the level of controlling force (Seal Beach Police General
Order 4.01.03 subsection 3).
This purchase would include 12 TASER X26 units, sufficient cartridges for duty
and training, software to download usage data directly from the TASER, and
extended warranties for each TASER ordered, resulting in total coverage for the
investment for 5 years.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost to purchase the TASER X26 energy weapon and necessary
related equipment is $17,145.73. This purchase will be funded with money from
a local law enforcement block grant (LLEBG). The training cost will be offset by
adjusting the schedules of most officers, resulting in a training day of TASER
instruction and racial profiling instruction which has been mandated by the state.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to agree to allow the
Police Department to make a purchase of $16,341.73 from Taser International
Inc. and a $804.00 purchase from Arizona Tactical with Local Law Enforcement
Block Grant funds previously approved for this purpose.
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Michael ;'. Sellers
Chi = • 'olice
John '.. Bahorski
City anager