The Eugene Police Department plans to expand its Taser program and eventually equip every patrol officer with a Taser.  While the department believes the results of a pilot program indicate Tasers will be useful and appropriate, many University of Oregon students and non-student community members are expressing concern and opposition to the new Taser policy. 

In part, that concern stems from previous incidents involving use of Tasers.  The EPD has faced three Taser complaints this year that resulted in internal affairs investigations. Though two of the cases were deemed justified use of the Taser, former student Ian Van Ornum’s case is still pending. The university freshman was tased during his arrest at a rally in May 2008. Lane County Sheriff Captain Bill Thompson said the University of Oregon student government has gone on record in opposition of the use of stun guns on campus.

Police defend the program.  Police Captain Steve Swensen said after 15 months and 30 tasings since the project began, it would be a “reasonable conclusion” to say that the use of Tasers by Eugene police officers saved lives.  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said their pilot program also produced positive results, and although no formal decision has been made on the long-term use of Tasers, the department acquired a federal technology grant for a six-month trial period to equip patrol officers with Tasers. 

Tasers on or near college campuses has also been controversial elsewhere—particularly after the tasering incident during a speech by Sen. Kerry at the University of Florida in 2007.

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