04-16-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council April 16, 2003 Page 2 Pam Meyer stated that the W & S designation would be for a five-year period. Ms. Meyer then provided a 4-page handout entitled "Copperfield Status Report" (copy attached) and noted that there are no significant major problems that she is aware of on this project. Division Chief Gary Horvath noted that 60% of the municipalities who apply for the W & S official recognition do not receive approval. Police Chief Fautz then introduced Uniform Division Chief Jim Hassig who is an 18-year veteran on the South Bend Police Department; Captain Phil Trent, and SWAT Police Officer Keith Sweitzer. He noted that they have been instrumental along with Division Chief Horvath in studying the "use of force continuum" and have focused their attention on beanbag guns and tasers, as less than lethal options for the South Bend Police Department. Chief Fautz noted that the City of Indianapolis is going to such options. Chief Fautz noted that today's presentation is the last one, noting that the Board of Public Safety has seen the presentation and were receptive to it. He noted that the police department is considering phasing in these less than lethal g a options over a number ber of years. Video and power point presentations were then presented on the "takedown ower" of the advanced taser". Captain Phil Trent, SWAT Officer Keith Sweitzer and Division Chief Gary Horvath then provided several handouts to the Council, namely a 4-page handout entitled "Advanced Taser Summary with Q&A's";a 6-page handout from the Taser International website; a one-page breakdown of projected costs; and a 2-page draft of the "Use of Force Co „ Option- Conducted nducted Energy Weapons"(copies attached). It was noted that there are no contamination issues with the tasers, like there are with the pepper sprays, etc. The use of tasers would also reduce injuries sustained by police officers. 8-AAA batteries power a taser and it would be placed in a holster on the weak side of a police officer. The estimated cost for the equipment would be $200,000 for the entire police department; however the estimated cost savings to the department for a total tat de to ment would y ld be $50,000; with a cost savings of $25,000-$30,000 for a partial deployment and a similar savings in less injuries being sustained by police officers. Lt. Sweitzer then showed a video of the taser training school which he attended in Indianapolis, where over fifty (5) police officers from throughout rou hout . the state were in attendance.tendance The video showed Lt. Sweitzer being taken down by the taser which resulted in his immediate loss of muscle control and falling. It was noted that the advanced taser fires two (2) probes up to a distance of twenty-one feet (21'), with the probes being connected to the weapon by a high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes II make contact, the advanced taser transmits electrical pulses. The advanced taser can be used in water and a police officer is able to protect his or her weapon. The laser light and electrical charge were then demonstrated to the Council. An advanced taser and cartridge were then passed around the room. There may be secondary injuries when the person taken down by the taser fall to the ground. The normal transmission of electrical pulses is five (5) seconds. Chief Fautz noted that there is a data port on each advanced taser which records how many times it has been deployed. Lt. Sweitzer explained that when an advanced taser is deployed that confetti- like markers are evident.on the person being taken down. Chief Fautz stated that the"bear bones"