University of South Carolina Libraries
University uses federal grant to study less-lethal effects ofTasers < The Associated Press CHARLESTON—Two USC researchers are working to see if Taser stun guns cut down on deaths and injuries among suspects and the police using them. Criminology professor Geoff Alpert and associate criminology professor Michael Smith hope that at the end of their 2 1/2 - year, $650,000 study they will be able to help police departments using the devices that have been blamed for inadvertent deaths and become the target of criticism for being used improperly. The Taser, so far, “looks like a really good tool if it’s not abused,” Alpert said. “My concern is that if officers keep making stupid decisions and bad choices, someone is going to come along and take them away.” The devices deliver a 50,000-volt shock that can temporarily immobilize a person. Taser International Inc., insists its weapons are safe, Amnesty International says 100 people have died after being shocked in scuffles with law enforcement. Alpert and Smith will work with Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based research group, on a national survey of law enforcement Taser use. They’ll also talk with suspects who have been on the receiving end of the Taser’s immobilizing sting. Taser International has had the devices on the market since 1998, selling them as a way to avoid using guns when dealing with combative people in high-risk situations. They’re now used by 7,800 law enforcement agencies and military installations worldwide. With the U.S. Justice Department grant, the Alpert and Smith are testing the hypothesis that the weapons reduce physical confrontations with people police want to subdue. Law enforcement agencies are pleased with the device. In 2005, records show Charleston County sheriff’s deputies fired Tasers 64 times. While there are no firm statistics immediately available, the agency says there were fewer injuries to suspects and police. “There is no doubt that it has helped,” said sheriff’s Capt. John Clark. Still, tasers have been at the center of investigations and questions involving when they should be used in several South Carolina incidents. — In December, Howard Starr, 32, died after being shocked at least twice with a Taser after a chase. Police say Starr and his brother, Willie Junior Starr, rammed a van stolen from a day care into a Darlington County convenience store during a burglary. — In July 2005, 29-year old Maury Cunningham died at the Lancaster County Detention Center after struggling with officers trying to retrieve a razor from his cell. Cunningham was shot with a Taser, then pepper spray and again with a Taser. — In October 2004, a Rock Hill police officer used the device on a 75-year-old woman who refused to leave an assisted-living facility. She broke away from a woman officer’s grasp twice as the officer tried to escort her from the facility. In November, Margaret Kimbrell, was convicted of trespassing and resisting^ police. ™ — In August 2004, William Teasley, 31, died after a struggle that ended when he was shocked by a Taser twice. Anderson County Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman said Teasley died from cardiac arrhythmia because of health problems and the Taser shock. New bill allows some stores to sell alcohol on Sundays The Associated Press A bill that restores some groceries’ and convenient stores’ ability to sell beer and wine on Sundays cleared the House this week. The measure applies to six areas where voters already have approved Sunday alcohol sales. However, a 2004 court ruling on the referendums’ wording caused the state to deny renewing groceries’ and convenient stores’ licenses to sell beer and wine seven days a week. The six affected areas are Georgetown County, the cities of Greenville, Aiken and Summerville, Daniel Island, and parts of North Charleston located in Dorchester and Berkeley counties, said Stephanie Jones, spokeswoman for the Department of Revenue. The state Administrative Law Court ruled in July 2004 referendums there applied only to bars and restaurants, where drinks are consumed onsite, since the wording didn’t specify otherwise. The Department of Revenue sent notices to groceries and convenient stores that August notifying them their beer and wine permits would not be renewed. Licenses began expiring in November in Aiken, where voters approved a referendum in Novembe™| 2002. Letters denying their permit renewal gave them 90 days to appeal. The bill approved Thursday by the House allows the state to issue and reissue Sunday alcohol permits in the six areas without the need for a second vote. “We’re saving citizens from needing to go back through another expensive referendum,” said Rep. Converse Chellis, R Summerville, the bill’s chief^ sponsor. ^P The Senate introduced the bill Thursday and referred it to a committee. DEATH • COnTinUED PROfTI I and a baseball player. There was a candlelight vigil on the Broughton baseball field Saturday, when Brown was remembered for his dedication to the Christian faith. “There will be a memorial service for Blayne Brown on Wednesday (March 15) at 4 p.m. in the Rutledge Chapel for everyone who would like to remember Blayne,” said Zach Baker, president of Alpha Tau Omega. “We will be receiving friends at the ATO house following the service.” Alpha Tau Omega plans to have a posthumous initiation for Brown, and his pin and membership will be given to his parents. He will also .be included on the fraternity’s composite. Baker said thait at the end of every academic school year, the fraternity will give away the Blayne Brown Award for the newly initiated brother who shows the most outstanding level of character. Miller, ATO’s philanthropy chairman, said I he would like to make their philanthropy an annual event to remember Brown. “As far as the fraternity goes, I plan to name our philanthropy (a poker tournament at the top of Capstone on April 12 at 8 p.m.) ‘The Blayne Brown Tournament.’” Brown was born April 30, 1987, in Raleigh, and was the son of Stephen and Regina Brown. He is survived by hi^^^ parents and brother, Philip Brown; his grandparents, Jim and Virginia Brown of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Bob and Shirley Lazorik of Mt. Olive, N.C. ’ In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the memorial service through Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Brown’s funeral was Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Raleigh. Arrangements were handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home. Condolences an<^^ tributes may be made at www.brownwynne.com. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm. sc. edu -1 Nobody covers USC better. Nobody. _Tllfe^: _L Women’s Leadership Workshop March 15, 2005 • 5 PM Russell House 201 This workshop will have discussion relating to successes and struggles with regards to leadership, an assessment of leadership style, and will also feature a community speaker from the YWCA. 777-8165 • WSS@gwm.sc.edu * _Department of Student Life/Dtviston of Student Affairs IE WAREHOUSE'S ■RSSk wm " ■§■ iKpW ■PIH I pjDOff j \ UOl l(SVJ " L :dq nod' oj f iifSnojtf j \asJ^ CL0TH1®® sale Jeans Tanks Tops Shorts Pants Sweaters Outerwear Accessories no,,, $9.99 $5.99 no,,, $7.99 n-om $7.99 non, $12.99 no,,, $12.99 from $24.99 * from $0.99 March 1 3th - March 1 5th Monday — Wednesday 10 am -9 PM .Russell house _r"* - » ■ -