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Some Eureka police officers will carry Tasers soon
By Jerry McDowell
mcdowell@mtco.com
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EUREKA -- City police officers will be carrying an alternative to Mace or bullets by this spring.

The City Council has approved purchasing three Tasers for the Police Department after hearing concerns that police will use common sense before zapping someone.

“How does this affect people that have pacemakers?” Alderman Steve Kupfer asked during last week’s meeting, raising the spectre of city liability and reservations about officers at Eureka College carrying the electronic stun guns.

“The issue here is the safety of our officers,” Mayor Scott Punke said. “They’re going to know what kind of damage these have to an individual.”

Kupfer replied, “I do want the police officer to use common sense, and I’ve run into some officers that common sense couldn’t buy.”

Police Chief Al Misener bristled at Kupfer’s remarks, defending the training and certification of his staff. “Every lawsuit I’ve seen so far, Taser has won their lawsuit,” Misener said.

Alderman Jim Meares cast the only “no” vote.

“Woodford County has five Tasers and I think it is excessive for us to have three,” Meares said. The cost for the weapons and supplies is not to exceed $3,500.

The money will come from the Police Department’s special funds.

The council also decided to buy a 2008 Ford Explorer for the police department at a cost not to exceed $22,000. The funds will come from the 2008-2009 budgets.

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Reader comments on this story - 9 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Eureka? wrote on Feb 11, 2008 5:29 PM:

" What you probably didnt know is that Huck's and the police station are one and the same. "

Smoker wrote on Feb 11, 2008 1:47 PM:

" I bet the criminals will still carry guns. Maybe we could get them to carry tasers instead. Just have to ask really really nicely. "

to oh god wrote on Feb 11, 2008 9:34 AM:

" good thing these tasers are for eureka, not the county...better read better next time. "

To Oh God... wrote on Feb 11, 2008 8:56 AM:

" That speaks very highly if other towns or cities ever took a Woodford County Sheriff as a new employee doesn't it? You never know. There may be ex- Woodford guys/ gals around here... And, to add to your comment "it" is capitalized and the county employs sheriffs, not police. Do you have a shift button on your key board? Or, do you have no common sense or brains? By the way... why did you have an "encounter" with a sheriff? "

wow! wrote on Feb 11, 2008 6:38 AM:

" They are only behind the times by atleast six years for most departments! "

oh god wrote on Feb 11, 2008 6:04 AM:

" ever had an encounter with woodford county police? talk about having no common sense and no brains. these guys are like barney fife but not as likeable "

how shocking wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:21 PM:

" think they'll only let Barney have one AA battery? "

What??? wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:07 PM:

" How do tasers affect people with pacemakers? Here's a thought if you have a pacemaker do not become confrontational with a police officer. Next problem. "

I have to... wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:33 PM:

" Don't Tase me, Bro! "
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