Berkeley Police Chief Meehan Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan told the Berkeley City Council on Tuesday night he believes his officers should be granted the option to carry Tasers, which are not currently allowed under city policy. It was the first time Meehan has taken a stand on the issue in a high-profile public forum, though he said he had made similar comments […]
Tasers
Posted inCrime & Safety
Berkeley council to hear Taser report Tuesday
The Berkeley City Council will consider a report Tuesday on Taser use and policy. Photo: Creative Commons The Berkeley City Council is set to discuss a report Tuesday evening focused on the use of Tasers by law enforcement officers, and whether that might one day be appropriate in Berkeley. Council asked the city manager to […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
City of Berkeley solicits Taser study; anti-Taser group to hold forum Thursday night
Advocates for and against Tasers attended a meeting in May to speak to the Berkeley City Council about whether Berkeley police should be allowed to carry the weapon. Photo: Emilie Raguso Advocates for and against Tasers attended a meeting in May to speak to the Berkeley City Council about whether Berkeley police should be allowed to carry […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
Taser used in arrest of driver in stolen car in Berkeley
Image: CHP Oakland A man authorities say led officers on a chase from the Bay Bridge into Berkeley was arrested after the deployment of a Taser this week. Oakland-area California Highway Patrol spokesman Sean Wilkenfeld said via email that the chase, which hit speeds of 100 mph, began early Wednesday at approximately 12:30 a.m. Officers spotted […]
Posted inCity, Crime, Crime & Safety
Officials agree to study Tasers for Berkeley police
Advocates for and against Tasers showed up Tuesday night to speak to the Berkeley City Council. Glenn Turner, in front, says she would rather see an investment in mental health services. Behind her is an officer whose hand was broken during a recent physical fight with a suspect who refused to stop when the officer […]
Posted inCrime & Safety, Opinion
Op-ed: Tasers, torture and the soul of the city
The Berkeley City Council will consider asking city staff on May 6 to prepare report on the use of Tasers. Photo: Creative Commons Before I discuss the facts and reasons that lead me to oppose arming Berkeley Police with Tasers, I invite readers to remember a bit of Berkeley history. This city was once nationally […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
Taser report: Tool could save Berkeley millions, decrease use of force, but oversight and training would be key
With the Berkeley City Council about to request a report on Tasers, a 2011 study on the subject has surfaced. Photo: Creative Commons With the Berkeley City Council about to request a report on Tasers, a 2011 study on the subject has surfaced. Photo: Creative Commons Berkeley officials plan to consider in early May whether to take their first deep […]
Posted inCity, Crime, Crime & Safety
Councilmen: Time is now to discuss Tasers in Berkeley
Councilman Laurie Capitelli is among three Berkeley council members who are calling for a discussion on Taser use by Berkeley Police officers. Photo: Emilie Raguso Three Berkeley City Council members are bringing the issue of Taser use by local police to the forefront with a proposed council agenda item currently set for consideration in early […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
Police call for Tasers after attempted killing of officer
The Berkeley Police Association has been making the case for officers to have Tasers. Photo: Creative Commons The president of the Berkeley Police Association is asking city officials to consider the use of Tasers by Berkeley officers after a violent attack on an officer Monday. The police association, the union for the rank and file, has […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
City leaders weigh in on idea of Tasers in Berkeley
The Berkeley Police Association, the union for the rank and file, has been making the case for officers to have Tasers. Photo: Creative Commons Last week the Berkeley Police Assocation put out a public demand for Tasers for local officers, and Berkeleyside followed up with several questions to city leaders about the issue. Several leaders […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
2 women charged after Berkeley stun gun robberies
Berkeley Police arrested two women linked to three robberies on a single day earlier this month. Image: Google Maps Police arrested two women after a pair of robberies, one of which involved a stun gun, and a robbery attempt also involving a stun gun earlier this month in Berkeley. On Sept. 15, police said in […]
Posted inCrime & Safety
After suicide attempt, police union says Tasers needed
Berkeley Police sergeants Emily Murphy (left) and Chris Stines first publicly made the case for Tasers at a press conference in May (file photo). Photo: Lance Knobel The Berkeley Police Association says Tasers could have helped prevent the near-death of a man who stabbed himself repeatedly last week in Berkeley, according to a statement released […]