Tuesday, June 24, 2008

BHAM City Council asks Mayor to suspend Taser Use

Birmingham City Council Asks Mayor to Suspend Use of Tasers by Police

The Birmingham City Council this morning unanimously voted to ask Mayor Larry Langford to suspend the use of Taser stun guns by the police department until the investigation into the death of a Birmingham man is completed.


Willie Maye, 43, died June 6 after police used a stun gun to subdue him during a struggle.

A group of about 30 people, including members of Maye's family, attended today's council meeting to address the issue.

Former Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid suspended use of the Tasers in July 2005 following the death of a man in the Birmingham City Jail.

Rockey Bryson, 41, died hours after he was hit by a Taser and sprayed with Mace. Authorities later ruled that Taser played no role in the death of Bryson, who had underlying heart disease and a history of alcoholism.

Kincaid lifted the ban in January 2006.


There are some crazy comments at the link. Y'all should check them out.

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

I'm kinda torn on the issue of cops and tazers. On one hand they have been abused by the police. On the other hand, I like the idea that cops have a LESS LETHAL weapon to use. I'd rather get tazed then shot if you know what I mean.