Tase Me Officer!

Town Meeting sped through the budget and capital expense items that, in years past, consumed the entire first day of the spring session. This year, the effect of caucus meetings and the meetings of the Committee of Precinct Chairs completed most of Town Meeting's work before it convened.

The Taser request slowed down the process briefly. Police Chief Michael Botieri requested the town spend $154,000 to equip his department with Tasers.

Town Meeting Representative Randy Parker, Precinct 7, rose to question the item.

"There's a rumor that (Fire Chief) Ed Bradley has volunteered me to (Police Chief) Mike Botieri for a Taser demonstration," Parker said. "I accept."

A Taser sends two small probes, capable of penetrating two inches of clothing, propeled by compressed air, that deliver an electric charge. The charge temporarily shuts down the human nervous system.

"It allows an officer to control an aggressive person without injury to the person or the officer," Botieri said.

He said his department has spent $82,000 in injury-related overtime pay in the two years he's served as chief. He said the state's Executive Office of Public safety approves and tracks Taser programs in the state.

After a brief Power-Point presentation, Botieri said Town Meeting could watch a video of a Taser demonstration or a live demonstration. A half dozen police officers entered the auditorium and walked to the space before the stage. They spread a gym mat on the floor. One had a Taser in hand as the others began to form a line in front of him.

Town Meeting Representative Charlie Vandini, Precinct 1, stepped into the aisle the officers had just walked down.

"This isn't necessary," he yelled, waving his arms over his head. "Why should we submit these people to this?"

Others joined his impromtu protest. Modertor Steven Triffletti called for a voice vote on whether Town Meeting wanted to witness the Tasing of the officers. It resulted in an overhelming Nay, after which the session broke for lunch.

After lunch, Town Meeting approved the purchase of 85 tasers, which will equip all of Plymouth's patrol officers.

Exiting the building, at least some officers expressed dismay. They had volunteered for the demonstration on their day off, spent the whole morning hanging around the lobby and had no Theatre.