A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Police Department to suspend the use of Taser stun devices until additional safety tests and investigations have been completed.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Police Department recently purchased 45 Taser stun guns as part of a pilot project to determine the effectiveness of the devices in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, more than 80 persons have died after being shot 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, the U.S. Justice Department is in the process of funding a University of Wisconsin study about the health effects of Taser devices; and

WHEREAS, although the Metropolitan Police Department has acknowledged that it has no immediate plans to purchase additional Taser guns until these safety studies are complete, it is in the best interest of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government that the Police Department refrain from using the existing 45 Taser devices owned by the department.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Police Department to suspend the use of Taser stun devices until additional safety tests and investigations have been completed.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Chief of Police Ronal Serpas.

Section 3. 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: Jamie Isabel