Some say use Tasers not guns

WESTFALL — Now that Delaware Valley schools are getting police, the question is - how will they be armed? Some parents last week said Tasers, electrical shock weapons, are better for a school. Parent Joanne Schields explained that as a nine-year Marine Corps veteran she has experience with weapons. “I’ve handled just about every weapon they have,” she said. While she said she fully supported the idea of police on campus, she said Tasers are a better choice. “They will immobilize better and not kill. God forbid that someone takes an officer’s 9 MM pistol. This is the opinion of a lot of parents, “ she said Superintendent Candis Finan said the board solicited the advice of police and went ahead with “the understanding that they would be armed.” Parent Edward Porter argued that police with Tasers would be armed. “At 40 to 50 feet, they’re fully armed,” he said. Schields said most police are trained in the use of Tasers. She said she was “knocked out” by a Taser at 35 feet, during training. Porter also favors police but said no one can safely introduce guns into a school. “If somebody grabs an officer’s weapon, they’ve got 30 rounds ... Look at Virginia Tech ... You don’t need guns in school,” Porter concluded. Member Jack Fisher defended the use of weapons. “I favor a cop with a weapon, who can use deadly force,” he said. Westfall Constable Mike Barth argued that with the proper holster it’s almost impossible to wrest a gun away from an officer. “But there’s still a chance,” Porter replied. “A cop can’t do his job without (a gun), ”Barth said. The conversation came just after the board of education approved a job description for the new officers. The description must be approved by County Judge Joseph Kameen before it is final. Board President John Wroblewski acknowledged “strong feelings on all sides. We’re going to act on the advice of the professionals.” Member Sue Casey apologized to the students for acting on the police issue without speaking with them. She said the board would schedule a session with students soon.