Note: I apologize if this has been diaried to death already, but I haven't seen anything. This is starting to make national news, so I thought it might be worth discussion.
This is just one more example of excessive police force and rampant overuse of tasers.
On November 11th, police in Ozark were called to the girl's home by her mother because she was refusing to take a shower. Officers arrived on the scene and witnessed the girl "kicking and screaming." At one point, the child apparently kicked Officer Dustin Bradshaw in the groin. His response was to tase her in the back and arrest her.
Follow me below the jump for the disgusting response from local police.
Ozark Police Chief Jim Noggle is defending the officer:
"He had no other choice. He had to get the child under control," said Ozark police Chief Jim Noggle.
Ozark police said it is their policy to use a Taser on someone who is a threat to others, no matter their age.
Noggle said simply restraining the child could be harmful.
Don't worry, the child wasn't hurt because she was only shocked for "about a second." According to the officer's statement, the child's mother gave him permission to tase her daughter, so that makes it extra okay.
The child's father, Anthony Medlock, was not at the house when this occurred and is now planning to seek custody of the child. I think I agree with his assessment of the situation:
"If you can't pick the kid up and take her to your car, handcuff her, then I don't think you need to be an officer," Medlock said.
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel is calling for an investigation into the incident, as well as a review of policy taser policy. The Arkansas State Police declined his request to investigate on Tuesday, and he plans to seek a review through the prosecutor's office.
The police department in nearby Ft. Smith says that their taser policy okays use on minors, but only those above the age of 14 unless the person is being physically violent and then there is no minimum. Why the hell else are you using a taser if someone isn't being violent? Is it policy to tase someone for belligerence? How about just looking at you funny?
Contact Information
Ozark Police Department: (479) 667-2233
Arkansas State Police: (501) 618-8000
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel:
P.O. Box 253
OZARK, AR 72949
Phone: (479) 667-2238
Fax: (479) 667-4515
Email: ozarkmayor@centurytel.net
Arkansas ACLU: (h/t sherijr)
You can fill out a complaint form here and mail to:
ACLU of Arkansas
904 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-374-2660