Many people do not realize the job DPS officers do; they see officers as people who write parking tickets and give MIPs. However, their job entails so much more. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day because we, as a campus community, value the feeling of security. Crime does not stop just because you’re done with class for the day. Even though there are some students who do not take them seriously, the officers take their jobs seriously. They are paid to deal with people most would be scared to confront, and therefore, it is our duty to make sure the officers have the necessary equipment to protect themselves and the campus community.
One tool that has been proved to be effective across the nation is the Taser. It immediately diffuses the situation by incapacitating the threat. I’ve already heard students question how long it will take before a student is tased. Yet the same argument was made when the officers first got pepper spray. Amazingly, I do not recall any instance when a student was sprayed, and therefore, I expect the same with Tasers. Our officers receive quality training and know the difference between a drunken student and a drug-addicted bike thief with felony warrants who carries a knife and wants to fight with officers. We should assist in their protection while they keep our community safe. That means we should support their request for Tasers because they deserve the best tools necessary for their job, and they are necessary.
Donald Backner
University Student