The town of Brattleboro has adopted a new policy on the use of Tasers following a critical report from an independent consultant who said two officers’ use of the stun guns on two protesters was “unnecessary and excessive.”
The Brattleboro Select Board approved the new policy Tuesday.
Town Manager Barbara Sondag says Tasers may be used to defend an officer or a third person from an immediate threat of physical injury. They also can be used on people actively resisting police officers, to prevent suicide or on aggressive animals who pose a threat.
But she says Tasers should not be used punitively or on those who are passively resisting a lawful order or are handcuffed or restrained.