[Orlando, FL] In a nearly decade-old case involving “excessive force” by the Orlando Police Department (OPD), a woman has been awarded around $80,000 for being zapped by a Taser by officers just outside of the Florida Citrus Bowl, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
Back in 2003, police were still figuring out when and where it was justified to use Tasers. On Monday, a jury reminded OPD that the potentially deadly devices were not to be used in cases where citizens were not simply listening to an officer’s commands.
Back then, OPD used the case to change policy which now says that “passive” resistance is not grounds for someone to be Tased.
A jury agreed that the officers were just following policy, but that the policy was wrong. Heather Hull – who was 23 years old at the time – was awarded 80 large for emotional distress, pain and suffering and medical expenses.
“The jury found that the city’s policy on the use of Tasers at the time was unconstitutional,” said Howard Marks, Hull’s attorney.
An electroshock weapon using electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles, a “Taser” is both a brand and a registered trademark of Taser International.
Ask for it by name.
By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate
Image: Junglecat
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Taser
Justice delayed is justice denied! 10 months is too long! 10 years to resolve something as straight forward as this question, is unreal and very wrong. Bet had she been someone important, or the family member of an important person, this would not have taken so long. The adversarial Anglo Saxon just is and just us system leaves a lot to be desired and needs to change, become more accountable, civilised, user friendly and protect the innocent.
Unless it comes out of the officer’s bank account this judgement is not going to stop gangster like behavior. As Jennifer said, 10 years is a ridiculous lag in time. We may never have a system as good as a European country, but gangster cops are more trouble than they’re worth.