Two city councillors who previously had reservations about Chelsea Police deploying tasers indicated this week that their worries have been resolved.
Following a discussion between Police Chief Brian Kyes and the councillors about tasers and their application, Councillor Giovanni Recupero now expresses full support for police use of the devices.
“I’m happy and satisfied with what I heard,” Recupero stated. “Chief Kyes explained it all and they’re not targeting people out there or tasing people at random. They’re not just tasing anybody on the street who might give them problems. I think it’s a great tool for the police.”
Last week, Recupero and Councillor Joe Perlatonda raised questions in response to two notable incidents within the past month involving taser use. While neither opposed the devices, both acknowledged uncertainty about deployment procedures.
According to Recupero, he learned that each taser contains a marker and its use is tracked by the state. Documentation and explanation are required for every taser deployment, he noted.
Taser adoption among law enforcement agencies has increased significantly in recent years, with police assault incidents typically declining after implementation. Officers frequently view tasers as protective equipment for both themselves and the community they serve.