Flagler NAACP says no to Tasers in schools

Palm Coast Observer
News

The Flagler County School Board on Tuesday, Oct. 4, will continue its discussion on the use of stun guns, called Tasers, in schools.

Linda Sharpe Haywood, Flagler County NAACP president, said in a recent press release: "Tasers do not have a place in Flagler County high schools. They do not replace the training that all deputies are required to have to protect themselves and others.

"Adequately-trained law-enforcement officers should be able to physically take down adults," she continued. "With the understanding that the use of more substantial force may be necessary in some cases, it should never be used in a school setting.

"Medically, there are numerous reasons why Tasers could be detrimental," Haywood said. "Without knowing an individual's health history, deputies would be taking a great risk in using a Taser on a student. Cardiac and neurological side effects may occur, causing extreme illness or possible death.

"There must be a more acceptable way to deal with disruptive students. After all, they are still children," she said.

Haywood's husband was killed on duty in 2004 as a law enforcement officer. Her son is also an officer.

Sheriff Donald Fleming recently stated that he supports the idea of deputies carryign Tasers in schools, following altercation in August, in which a deputy was head-butted by a student at Matanzas High School. Click here to see the video of the incident.