Should we give him a burning sensation in the head or a shocking sensation in the scrotum?
Shining light on the Taser incident
With regard to the use of a Taser at Greenwich High School on May 13, arguments can be made on two sides of the issue:
Either a school resource officer overreacted by using an electrical device on a student that is designed to subdue individuals physically resisting police.
Or use of the device was justified in order to safely take into custody a student who was resisting a proper arrest and posing a danger.
That makes it vital for police and school officials to provide townspeople with all details possible regarding the incident, as well as background on the training of officers in use of Tasers and on the rules or polices regarding when they should be used, particularly in a school environment.
The relationship between the public and police is a two-way street. The community entrusts officers with the authority to physically protect it, with lethal force if necessary. But the police in turn are accountable to the community for the way they use that power.
According to information currently available, student Victor Londono, 18, was confronted by School Resource Officer Carlos Franco after Mr. Londono was suspended in another incident but refused to report to the assistant headmaster's office to be picked up by his parents. Police said he again declined to report and became verbally abusive and combative, kicking a chair that struck a chair in which another student was sitting. Police said other officers were summoned, and then the student resisted beinghandcuffed. As he was being shocked with the Taser, he allegedly tried to punch Officer Franco. Police said the Taser was used on low power to help subdue the student, who subsequently was arrested on charges of breach of peace and interfering with a police officer.
Mr. Londono said he was trying to leave the school after kicking the chair, but was stopped by police. He also denied trying to strike the officer.
Debate over the incident appears to have focused mainly on whether use of the Taser, rather than the arrest itself, was justified.
The device can either be pressed against its target, or darts can be fired from it for up to 20 feet. In either case, it is used to deliver electrical shocks causing muscle contractions that disable the individual.
A Greenwich police spokesman, as well as the officer himself, maintains that use of the Taser was justified, and less dangerous than grappling with the student.
However, critics say that use of such devices can cause injury and even death. Parents and students interviewed, meanwhile, expressed doubts that the Taser was needed, or that the situation, which began with Mr. Londono's suspension for throwing water balloons in the GHS student center, should have escalated to that point. Some parents suggested that should have been a way to defuse the situation. Trauma to other students because of the incident was also cited. However, the co-president of the GHS Parent-Teacher Association has said she supports the way the situation was handled and that most of the parents she's spoken with agree.
Incidents that have occurred in other school settings around the country justify prompt police action on potential threats. But questions clearly remain in this circumstance. Thus, the best course is to clearly establish for the town at large that training, good judgment and experience were sufficiently applied. The fact that the GHS headmaster and the officer involved spoke to the high school PTA about the situation is encouraging. Such efforts should be continued and expanded.
The issue is no doubt complicated by the fact it is now a criminal court matter. But we hope even video recordings of the incident can be presented in a context that is truly illuminating for townspeople. That would promote continued public confidence in the Greenwich Police Department and especially its members who work with our young people.
We can understand if officers feel some resentment when their abilities and good intentions seem to be questioned. But that is the price that must be paid for the awesome authority they are given.
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