City law enforcement view stun gun as 'tool'

Beast-taming electroshock guns aren't only for farm-hands and lion tamers anymore.\nCommonly referred to by the trademark Taser, the weapon's reputation has changed as more law enforcement officers add stun guns to their belts as an extra tool to combat crime. \nIU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger said stun gun usage is growing at both state and federal levels. \nBut college campus police departments see benefits, too. One year ago, the Ball State University Police Department began using stun guns. They serve as a way to bridge the gap between weapons like batons and firearms, BSUPD First Sgt. Rhonda Clark said.\n"We felt it was a less lethal weapon," said Clark.\nClark also said the purchase of stun guns was not related to the death of BSU student Michael McKinney, who was shot and killed by an officer in November 2003.\nThe reaction to the stun guns from the BSU campus seems largely positive, Clark said. \n"(Students) were very interested and very supportive," she said. "Then again, there are probably a lot of them who don't realize we have (the stun guns). Most of them think it's a good idea."\nWhile Clark said there has not been a noticeable change in crime on campus since officers began carrying stun guns, she said the number of suspect injuries has gone down along with the number of officer injuries. \nThough stun guns can be used in many different scenarios, they serve one basic function -- to prevent any unwanted harm to either a suspect or an officer, said Monroe County Correctional Facilty Jail Commander Bill Wilson. \n"Stun guns should only be used when there's a threat of harm," Wilson said. "It depends on the situation, and it's somewhat subjective."\nLaw enforcement at Monroe County Jail have been carrying stun guns for five years, Wilson estimated. Since then, they have only been used a "handful of times," with the last instance occurring 18 months ago. \nBecause of their quick, effective and basically harmless nature, stun guns can be used in many delicate situations, Wilson said. With a range of 20 to 25 feet, stun guns carry a less-lethal shock that immobilizes the nervous system for about 10 to 15 seconds. \n"They can be very helpful in hostage and suicidal situations," Wilson said. "The benefits far outweigh the risks."\nAs for IU students, don't expect to see stun guns on campus anytime soon, Minger said.\n"We have evaluated the use of stun guns as a way to address forced issues," Minger said. "At this time, we don't need them because they're expensive, and incidents we've had in the past didn't rise to the necessity to carry them." \nWhile public sentiment certainly plays a role in the stun gun controversy, law enforcement officers do not deny their value. Monroe County Correctional Center Major Thurman Fuller sees stun guns as much more favorable than firearms. \n"(A stun gun) is a tool," Fuller said. "And if you don't have that tool, you have to go to the next level, which is terrible"