By: Magee Police Chief Denis J. Borges
Public Safety Matters: A Message from Chief Denis J. Borges
In recent conversations across the state and the country, there has been growing discussion about limiting or removing tasers from law enforcement. I want to speak plainly about why that would be a mistake and why tasers remain one of the most important tools officers have to protect both the public and themselves.
A taser is not a weapon of punishment. It is a tool of control. More importantly, it is a less lethal option that often prevents the use of deadly force. When an officer is faced with a combative individual who is resisting arrest, experiencing a mental health crisis, or placing others at risk, that officer must make a decision in seconds. Taking away less lethal options does not reduce force. It narrows choices and increases the likelihood that a firearm becomes the only remaining option.
There are situations where a clear disparity of force exists, and both officers and civilians have the right to protect themselves. Disparity of force can be based on size, strength, skill level, the number of individuals involved, or the level of aggression being displayed. An officer may be physically smaller, injured, outnumbered, or facing someone trained in fighting. In those moments, waiting for a situation to escalate further is not a realistic or safe option. A taser can stop that threat quickly and reduce the risk of serious injury or death for everyone involved.
I have personally seen situations where a taser stopped a violent encounter without serious injury to the subject, the officer, or bystanders. These are real situations, not theoretical ones. When a taser works as intended, everyone goes home alive.
Much of the criticism surrounding tasers focuses on isolated incidents or cases where multiple factors were present, such as drug use, underlying medical conditions, extreme agitation, or prolonged physical struggles. It is important to acknowledge a simple truth: the abuse or misuse of any tool can lead to serious injury or death. That applies to tasers, batons, firearms, vehicles, restraints, and even physical hands on force. Just because a tool has been misused does not mean every trained professional should have that tool taken away. That approach makes no sense and does not improve safety.
A taser does not replace proper training, judgment, or accountability. Like any law enforcement tool, it must be used appropriately and within policy. When misuse occurs, it should be addressed through training, discipline, or accountability measures. Removing the tool entirely punishes responsible officers and leaves them with fewer safe options, while doing nothing to address the root cause of improper use.
Law enforcement officers are expected to control dangerous situations without escalating them, while the public also expects officers not to immediately resort to deadly force. Tasers bridge that gap. They provide an option that can stop aggression, gain control, and de escalate volatile situations while reducing the likelihood of permanent harm.
It is also important to be honest about when tasers are used. They are typically deployed when a person is actively resisting, assaultive, or posing a danger to others. The goal is compliance and safety, not pain or punishment. In my professional experience, the overwhelming majority of officers do not wake up looking for opportunities to use force. They respond to situations as they unfold, often under extreme stress and uncertainty.
From a leadership perspective, removing tasers would place officers and the public at greater risk and increase liability for departments and municipalities. When officers are left with fewer options and a situation turns deadly, everyone loses.
Public safety decisions should be based on facts, training standards, and real world experience, not fear or isolated narratives. Tasers save lives when used correctly. Taking them away would not make our communities safer.
Chief Denis J. Borges
Magee Police Department
