The latest Big Nanny move out of Bellingham, Wa.: Banning civilians from owning Tasers

Concerned about criminals and the untrained using Tasers, stun guns and other electro-shock weapons, Bellingham City Council voted to become the first city in the state to ban energy weapons from civilian use Monday night.

In a 6-1 vote, council members banned citizens from owning and purchasing energy weapons, such as the pistol-style Taser, in the city. Police, however, would still be allowed to carry the electro-shock weapon, popular among law enforcement agencies around the world.

Councilman Bob Ryan voted against the ordinance.

Tasers, made by Arizona’s Taser International, use compressed air to fire two probes into clothing or the skin. The probes then send an electrical charge through the body, incapacitating a person.

The weapons are carried by more than 6,000 law enforcement agencies, including the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Bellingham Police Department.

But the devices could be dangerous in the hands of criminals or untrained civilians, said Bellingham Police Chief Randy Carroll.

“I have significant concern for officer safety and public safety,” he said. “I think we have the opportunity to put some regulations in place and protect not only our police officers, but ourselves.”

Currently, 12 Washington cities ban civilians from carrying Tasers. If the City Council passes the ordinance in a final vote next year, Bellingham would become the first city in the state to outlaw Tasers and energy weapons from civilian use.

Tasers already are banned for civilian use in Maryland, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan and Hawaii.

At the council’s Monday night meeting, some people warned that taking away Tasers and stun guns would hurt the people they were designed to protect.

“If a 5-foot 1-inch nurse is leaving her job or a waitress is leaving at night, it would be nice to have that kind of protection,” said Bellingham resident John Johann. “It sends a message to a potential assailant: This town is wide open.”

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