A resolution requesting the Vice Mayor to establish a community task force to examine whether the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department should discontinue the use of Taser devices.

WHEREAS, certain police officers within the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are authorized to use Taser stun guns when necessary as part of their job responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, more than 80 persons have died nationwide after being shocked by Taser devices, which has raised serious safety concerns about the devices, specifically whether use of the devices contributed to the deaths by affecting the victims' heart rhythm; and

WHEREAS, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun a formal inquiry into Taser International, Inc.'s safety claims; and

WHEREAS, on June 28, 2005, Taser International issued a bulletin to police departments across the country, including the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, warning officers to avoid repeatedly using Tasers on persons who are in a drug-induced agitated state; and

WHEREAS, during the past five months, two persons have died after being repeatedly shocked by Metropolitan Police officers using Taser devices; and

WHEREAS, in order to prevent any future loss of lives, it is fitting and proper that the Vice Mayor appoint a task force to examine the appropriateness of the use of Taser devices by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and prepare a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Vice Mayor Howard Gentry to establish a task force to examine whether the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department should discontinue the use of Taser devices, and to prepare and present a comprehensive report to the Metropolitan Council not later than ninety (90) days from convening.

Section 2. The members of the task force should be selected and appointed by the Vice Mayor, and should include the following:
1. At least one representative from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
2. At least one licensed physician and other members from the medical community
3. Nashville citizens with an interest in the use of Taser devices
4. The chair of the Council Public Safety Committee
5. Any other members the Vice Mayor deems appropriate

Section 3. The Vice Mayor is further requested to appoint the Chair of the Public Safety Committee as chairman of the task force.

Section 4. The task force should meet at such times and places as it may determine and shall give notice of all meetings to the public with the assistance of the Metropolitan Clerk.

Section 5. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Vice Mayor Howard Gentry.

Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore