MUPD, local colleges explain Taser policies
The department does not see a need for them.
Published April 17, 2009
Campus police and security officers at MU, Stephens College and Columbia College do not carry Tasers, but some of the campuses could reconsider use of the devices in the future.
MUPD Police Chief Jack Watring said the department has looked into Taser use, but MUPD officers do not carry Tasers.
"It's not something we have really thought about," Watring said. "However we have investigated the pros and cons of Tasers."
Watring said the department decided Tasers are not worth the trouble they have caused CPD.
"We looked at outcomes of Taser use involving CPD, and the several incidents that the department has received complaints about from citizens of Columbia and we realized it's not worth the trouble," Watring said.
MUPD Capt. Brian Weimer said the use of Tasers by his department was discussed, however there was never any real consideration for the use of Tasers.
"We looked into the use of Tasers, however it was not an issue where we strongly considered them, rather just another idea we had," Weimer said.
Weimer said MUPD does not need Tasers.
"We use our resources to the best of our ability and Tasers were not seen to be needed," Weimer said.
Weimer also said MU police officers do a great job without the use of Tasers and it was not needed to enhance productivity.
"Our officers do a tremendous job with effort and work ethic without using Tasers in their duties, and they can handle their jobs without using Tasers as an added tool," Weimer said.
Weimer also said the events and feedback CPD received from the community did not seriously affect the decision to not consider Tasers.
"We looked at what they have dealt with involving Tasers, but it did not play a major role into not considering Tasers," Weimer said.
Weimer said MUPD might consider using Tasers in the future.
"If we feel they are needed to help our officers protect the community and another beneficial option to give to our officers, then absolutely we would consider them," Weimer said.
Tony Coleman, director of Campus Security at Stephens College, said his department does not use Tasers either.
"We just don't see the need within our campus environment," Coleman said.
Coleman said Stephens College Security calls CPD because campus security officers at Stephens are not certified or commissioned law enforcement officers.
"If there is a situation in which the use of such a device would be required, we more than likely have already requested the assistance of the Columbia Police Department," Coleman said.
Columbia College Security Director Bob Klausmeyer said his department also does not use Tasers.
"It was considered in the past here at Columbia, since I used Tasers when I was with Boone County Sheriff's Department, but it has not felt necessary for our personnel here," Klausmeyer said.
Klausmeyer also said it may be considered in the future.
"It may be beneficial in the future, but its not necessary at the moment," Klausmeyer said.
Klausmeyer said the feedback CPD received from the community has not affected their decision to not use Tasers.
"The community is not fully educated about Tasers and their proper uses and reasons for being used by law enforcement," Klausmeyer said.
