Cincinnati Taser Death Raises Questions About Use, Safety

Although Cincinnati police are not using their Taser guns as much this year, this past weekend's death-in-custody brings all the Taser talk back to the table: its use, its impact and its very place in the law enforcement arsenal.

Taser guns were used on suspects 554 times in 2004, 540 times last year and 216 times through May of this year -- with one death in custody.

The head of City Council's Law Committee, himself a former officer, said conclusively that Taser guns are lifesavers.

"I wish I would've had the Tasers way back. I got scars that say if I'd had the Taser, I wouldn't have these scars," Councilman Cecil Thomas said.

Police and prisoner injuries are down, as well as overall use of police firearms.

"Officers have used those Tasers when they would have been able to use deadly force," FOP President Kathy Harrell said. "So I think the Tasers are a great tool."

Since police started carrying Taser guns, there aren't nearly as many foot pursuits. Beat officers said compliance has increased.

Taser guns are the preferred option, police said, because they're effective and less lethal.

The use of chemical irritant has virtually evaporated -- 124 times in 2004 and just 35 instances last year.

The officer's decision to use a Taser gun on Christopher Allen Tull was made when he would not comply.

"Everything he did was textbook perfect," Chief Tom Streicher said.

Police said they believe Tull's suspected use of crack cocaine was a contributing factor in his death.

The toxicology results on Tull are not in yet, but questions about the safety of Taser guns prompted a U.S. Department of Justice investigation.

The federal government is looking into the deaths of 180 people who died after police officers used a stun gun to subdue them.

Across the country, more than 7,000 departments equip their officers with Taser guns.

The Justice Department's review could take up to two years.

Previous Stories:

• July 9, 2006: Man Dies After Police Use Taser Gun On Him

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