MEMORANDUM

January 20, 2009

To:       David L. Corliss, City Manager

From:  W. Ronald Olin, Chief of Police

Ref.:    Deployment of Electronic Control Devices 2008

            The Lawrence Police Department responded to 115,404 calls for service writing 17,235 investigative and 3,431 accident reports.  During the performance of these services to the City of Lawrence, officers utilized an Electronic Control Device (commonly called Tasers) on eight occasions.  In every occasion when an ECD was deployed the reports were scrutinized by Captain Zarnowiec.  We had no uses outside of the stringent guidelines that govern our officers’ use of an ECD.  A brief overview of each of these ECD uses is attached to this memorandum. 

Additionally, between March 25 and December 31, 2008, we displayed Tasers five times without deploying the device.  The circumstances in these incidents meant that the threat of a use was enough to stop the potential for violence.  Anecdotally, officers report that some suspects will note the Taser on one’s belt and comment about it.  The sight is often a calming effect in the interaction.

The trial period of ECD usage has been very successful.  I would recommend that we schedule a second training session and expand the number of officers who are certified to carry the device.  We will continue to monitor closely the use of ECDs with mandatory written reports and close supervisory review after each incident.  If I may provide additional information, please let me know.

                                                                        W. Ronald Olin

                                                                        Chief of Police

Attachment: 2008 TASER Usage Report