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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Bryan Lentz |
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House committee approves Lentz taser bill
HARRISBURG, April 1 – The House Judiciary Committee today reported out a bill introduced by state Rep. Bryan R. Lentz, D-Delaware, that would allow police officers to purchase the newest and most up-to-date tasers, which are now equipped with audio and video recorders.
Lentz said a local police department contacted him after learning they could not purchase the new tasers because of their recording capability. Current state law authorizes police officers to use electronic incapacitation devices, but an existing wiretapping statute bars officers from using these devices if they are capable of recording audio or video.
"Tasers allow police officers to restrain violent individuals without killing them," Lentz said. "A police officer can ‘take down’ a threatening suspect without worrying that a stray bullet might kill or injure an innocent bystander. With a firearm, there generally are two outcomes: injury or loss of life. My legislation would give officers more options than that."
Lentz added that the recording technology on the new tasers would provide audio and video evidence in cases where the use of the taser is challenged in court or needs to be investigated.
"I believe this new technology would protect both officers and the general public," Lentz said. "Maintaining a record of the events will allow for careful review and determination of whether the use of a taser was reasonable and appropriate. The bottom line is, if we equip police officers with these devices, then they should be the most advanced models, and there should be a record of each occasion they are used."
The bill (H.B. 2117) now goes to the full House for consideration.
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