Marion joins area agencies in use of the weapon
Managing editor
These days, when law enforcement officers are faced with the decision of apprehending a fleeing suspect, using a gun with bullets is not always the best decision.
Using a taser gun with electrical darts may be.
Marion Police Department is following the leads of Hillsboro and Marion County Sheriff Department in implementing the electronic control devices.
Following a demonstration of a police officer being shot with a taser, the council approved a police department policy manual that allows the use of the weapon.
The demonstration
Hillsboro Assistant Police Chief Jessey Hiebert is a certified taser instructor. His department has used tasers since 2004.
“We present a taser like a firearm but we do not pull the trigger like we don’t with a gun,” Hiebert explained.
When a taser is activated, a red light indicates the sight of the dart. A white light also shines from the end of the weapon.
When the taser is deployed, up to 35 feet from the target, two small probes (darts) attached to the tazer with insulated wires are fired toward the target. Electric current goes through the wires for five seconds, affecting the suspect’s central nervous system and causing him/her to flex every muscle in the body.
When this occurs, the person is unable to move and law enforcement can subdue the person without injury.
Marion Police Sergeant Tyler Mermis was the “target” for the demonstration. Two other Marion officers, Jeff Soyez, and assistant police chief Mike Ottensmeier, assisted.
When Hiebert “shot” the darts into Mermis’ back, Mermis’ arms and legs stiffened, causing him to fall to the floor. Mats were placed on the auditorium stage and the other officers did not allow him to actually fall.
Mermis was unable to move for a short time but was not in any pain after the initial penetration.
After the demonstration and the probes were removed, there were no aftereffects other than two small puncture wounds where the darts were on his back.
If law enforcement needs to subdue a suspect and additional shocks are needed, the officer can continue to pull the trigger of the taser, like a gun, to keep the suspect subdued.
However, Hiebert noted officers do not want to continue to “juice” the suspect.
The taser is effective anywhere on the human body but both probes need to be in the body for the electrical circuit to be effective.
When asked, Hiebert said the depth of the dart does not affect the spinal cord.
Mayor Mary Olson asked city attorney Dan Baldwin if there were any legal liabilities with officers using tasers. He responded if properly used, the weapon is effective.