|
Read News
|
Pocono News Section
Tasers on Campus at East Stroudsburg
Tasers on Campus at East Stroudsburg - Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 4:15PM EST
EAST STROUDSBURG - An area university will soon have a new way to keep students safe. Campus officers will carry taser guns at East Stroudsburg University.
East Stroudsburg University Police Chief Robin Olson carries about 15 pounds of equipment on his belt. He's got a gun, ammo, a baton, handcuffs and pepper spray. That belt will soon get even heavier.
Within a month, the chief and his five sergeants will carry taser guns on campus. "Both myself and the University thought it was important to have the technology," said Olson.
The chief said the campus doesn't have a major crime problem but it's good to have the extra tool just in case. While the police say the tasers will be an excellent tool, they hope they never have to use them. Olson explained, "You always want as many options as you can in front of you."
Some students seemed stunned at the thought of having tasers on campus. Junior Drew Nowicki said, "I think it's actually a bad idea in reality...because you shouldn't be electrocuting people."
But Chief Olson explained the guns don't electrocute people. They just give a shock. He even let someone tase him during his training. He said, "It's a unique sensation. It was an instant of pain and then your muscles froze up."
And that has some students relieved. Senior Kris Meyer said he'd rather see someone shocked with electricity than shot with a bullet. He explained, "The person won't be seriously injured at the end and it could stop whatever it is that they're doing."
If officers can prevent someone from doing something dangerous, Olson said he won't mind carrying a little extra weight.
To make sure they knew how to use their new tools properly, the campus police completed an intense 8 hour taser training class with the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. | | |
|
|
|