November 29, 200718 yr http://www.whiotv.com/news/14719706/detail.html?rss=day&psp=news TROTWOOD, Ohio -- The FBI is investigating after a Trotwood police officer used a Taser on a pregnant woman. Trotwood Public Safety Director Michael Etter said the incident happened on Nov. 18. He said the woman arrived at the police department asking to give up custody of her 1-year-old son. Etter said his officer spoke with the woman as she held on to the child outside the police department. "(He) attempted to obtain information on both the mother and the child, at which time the mother refused to give any information and became very agitated," Etter said. Surveillance video from the police department shows the woman try to leave with the child. The officer then grabs her coat in an effort to get her to stop. Etter said the officer was doing what he thought was in the best interest of the 1-year-old boy. The video shows the woman struggle with the officer, who then takes the child from her and gives the boy to another officer. The first officer then forces the woman down on her stomach, and he then deploys a Taser on her neck. You can watch the video by clicking on the link.
November 29, 200718 yr I can't figure out why he needed to use the taser. They couldn't stop 1 woman in a police building without tasing her?? I thought tasers were to be used as an alternative to lethal force, not for convenience. As far as her being pregnant, I think that's a non-issue. There was no obvious sign of her pregnancy.
November 29, 200718 yr Maybe not the most sound judgement but an arguement could even be made that it may've protected the lady from further injury as well.
November 29, 200718 yr I can't figure out why he needed to use the taser. They couldn't stop 1 woman in a police building without tasing her?? I thought tasers were to be used as an alternative to lethal force, not for convenience. That is my understanding of it as well, but it seems, recently at least, we've seen a lot more of tasering for convenience.
November 29, 200718 yr Tasers are touted as an alternative to lethal force, but in practice they end up an alternative to a billy club.
November 29, 200718 yr That is my understanding of it as well, but it seems, recently at least, we've seen a lot more of tasering for convenience. Tasers are touted as an alternative to lethal force, but in practice they end up an alternative to a billy club. I think the taser is a great tool for the police and back its use. But unfortunately, I also agree with the above. I also hate when stupid/lazy/mean cops make all the rest look bad.
November 29, 200718 yr Welcome to the wonderful world of Plaintiff's law. There was absolutely no reason for this, whatsoever. If the fetus dies, its a wrongful death, perhaps even criminal.
November 29, 200718 yr Does anyone know what the lady said during her time in the station? I mean, if she's psychotic and said she was going to kill her kid if she didn't get rid of him, then decided to leave...taze her. I believe in giving our officers the benefit of the doubt...
November 29, 200718 yr I believe in giving our officers the benefit of the doubt... I try to do the same but in some situations it is VERY HARD.
November 29, 200718 yr If he's got her down on her stomach and the kid is safely with another officer, I see absolutely no reason whatsoever to use the taser.
November 29, 200718 yr If he's got her down on her stomach and the kid is safely with another officer, I see absolutely no reason whatsoever to use the taser. :thumb: Cuffs yes, taser no.
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