Chris Sneed is the Dayton, Tenn., Police ChiefDAYTON, Tenn. — Dayton police could be armed with Tasers if suitable devices can be located and appropriate policies provided for their use, the Dayton City Council agreed this week.
Tennessee Assistant District Attorney General Will Dunn, who is a resident of Dayton, recommended the city buy the electroshock weapons for use when firearms are not appropriate.
Dunn said his motivation is to see “these police officers, my friends” equipped to defend themselves without having to use lethal force. At the same time, he said, aggressive people confronting police often will cease resisting when they see a Taser displayed.
Police Chief Chris Sneed said initially he did not favor securing Tasers for his department, but after researching the matter he’d “like to see us get some. If we could get three it would be great.”
City Attorney Susan Arnold cautioned that the city must have policies in place and that officers must be trained in Taser use to avoid liability issues.