First things first, there's no way this is defensible:

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

Even if you look at this at the most callous, detached levels possible, there's still the whole PR problem thing. Second, what the hell is with police and tasing people in the groin? I mean this happened to a transgendered woman and now to a teenager. Seriously, what's the matter with people? I should hope that here, at least, we can all agree that police tasing people in the groin is uh.....not a good idea. Right?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/14/police-officer-tases-teenager-outside-high-school_n_1149318.html

Comments

[soliloquy76.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see that missing 1:40 before making a judgment call, but shooting in the groin was unnecessary.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

I think that no matter what happened in that one minute and forty seconds, tasing someone in the crotch is stupidity of a willful, arrogant, unforgivable sort.

[dreadfulpenny81.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see that missing portion, too.

But I've gotta ask - where was he supposed to shoot if seeing that missing time on the tape proves that use of the taser was valid? This video (http://blutube.policeone.com/police-news-videos/935593113001-taser-advises-cops-not-to-aim-at-suspects-chest/) advises those who use tasers to aim for arms, legs, or back. Since none of us know his frame of mind and whether or not he was purposely aiming for her groin, isn't it safe to assume, he was aiming for her leg area?

[lions-wings.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see that missing time too. But when he moves back she's got her hands up and arms out, classic defense pose, and her friend looks like she's moving to touch her.

Tazing was not a good idea there.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

So would I, but I think *if* the tasing was deserved there's no way one can say hitting the crotch is a good idea. Again, even at the most callous that's bad PR. Any good lawyer in a civil or criminal court could use that alone to negate anything else. And at a more human level of thinking, well....

[ddstory.livejournal.com]

police told The Morning Call that Ammary was right to use the taser due to the "use-of-force continuum."

What does that mean, dear? :O

[unnamed525.livejournal.com]

It means we live in an increasingly fascist police state where the cop can do whatever the fuck they want and face no consequences.

[meus-ovatio.livejournal.com]

The continuum of force is basically:

1)Tell someone to do something.
2)Incapacitate.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

It means: "We've increasingly been using force lately, so this use of force has been perfectly in line with our general pattern of using more force lately". That's essentially what it means.

The even shorter version is: "We do it cuz we can".

[lions-wings.livejournal.com]

I have a couple theories, but the strongest one right now is that they can't taze The Morning Call over the phone.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

"I have a rocket launcher, your argument is invalid" in PC, suitable for press language.

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

If the free market creates demand for it I see no reason we should oppose such a thing.

[jerseycajun.livejournal.com]

What purpose is there in making an economic jab at one's perceived political opposite number, when economics isn't even remotely the topic of discussion?

I mean, I can imagine a reason, but I'll stop short of saying it because I can't be certain unless you confirm it yourself.

[enders-shadow.livejournal.com]

I know this is a terrible thing to say, but part of me feels that police need to feel a little bit more fear of reprisal for using their weaponry improperly.

How many examples can I list where cops use force improperly and their penalty is merely monetary?

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. If this is deemed improper, he should be charged with assault or battery just like anyone else.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

Not in this case it isn't. If nothing else a strong deterrent like this is good for the police as it means that the watchmen are themselves watched.

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

Is tasing the groin worse than tasing the chest for some reason?

[enders-shadow.livejournal.com]

is punching/kicking the groin worse than kicking the chest?

Yes, namely:

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

Squick.

[ddstory.livejournal.com]

Is tasing anything good, while we're at it?

[lions-wings.livejournal.com]

At that range, those were his two choices?

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Where would you rather be tasered?

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

I would say yes. The groin is a slightly more sensitive area. I'm crossing my legs so hard right now after reading that.

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

We attach certain cultural and social significance to the groin, so yes.

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

Looks like he's just a shit shot. My question is why couldn't this officer detain the person without the use of a taser?

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

Holy shit, I just realised she was 14. Why does this person have a badge? I refuse to recognise his authority.