RIOC Operations Committee Receives Report On Status Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department - Crime Low and Decreasing, Use Of Tasers Being Requested

 Image of Taser From Gothamist

The June 4 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee meeting held a review of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department. Public Safety Director Keith Guerra reviewed the current state of the department as compared to how it was before he became Director four years ago. Mr. Guerra provided statistics showing that crime on Roosevelt Island is low and has been decreasing. I missed the meeting but here's the audio web cast of what happened. Mr. Guerra's remarks begin at the 3 minute 40 second mark and end at 1 hour 12 minute mark.



At the 25 minute mark, Mr. Guerra asks the RIOC Operations Committee Directors to consider allowing Public Safety Officers to be equipped with Tasers to better protect the officers from injuries caused by suspects resisting arrest, for help gaining compliance from suspects as well as preventing disturbed people from injuring themselves.

Here's an example of a taser demonstration:



On the other hand, Gothamist reported in October 2011:

Tasers, or "Conducted Energy Devices," are an increasingly popular method of "non-lethal" force in police departments across New York State, as well as being trusted companions at the ballgame. However, according to a new report [pdf] from the NYCLU, "police officers are using Tasers in inappropriate, irresponsible and downright deadly manner." As the saying goes: shoot 50,000 volts of electricity into somebody's chest first, ask questions later.

Studying 851 Taser incidents from eight police department across the state (including the NYPD), 60% of those cases did not meet the expert-recommended standards that restrict the use of a Taser to "situations where officers can document active aggression or a risk of physical injury." 40% of the incidents involved "at-risk subjects" like the elderly, children, the visibly infirm, or those who were seriously intoxicated or mentally ill....

Will have more on Taser issue in future posts.

Mr. Guerra also mentioned the possibility of bringing explosive detection dogs to monitor Roosevelt Island transportation facilities at the 22 minute mark.

Full audio web cast of RIOC June 4 Operations Committee meeting is here.

Below is the April 2012 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Blotter



and Public Safety Statistics for January - April 2012.