HPD use of Tasers in 14 cases of 'verbal aggression' debated (TX)

[struggle4progress]

Police saw an 'imminent' assault, but activists say free speech violated

By ROMA KHANNA
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Houston police officers have used Tasers to subdue "verbally aggressive" people at least 14 times since early December, according to department figures that raise concerns among activists about possible infringement on free speech.

A high-ranking police official defended the incidents Tuesday, saying the vocal outbursts led officers to believe that "assault was imminent" in each case. <snip>

"The policy needs to be pointed as to where to draw the line because, right now, it seems it is up to the officer," said Quanell X, a leader of the New Black Panther Party. "If a cop doesn't like you questioning them in a loud tone of voice, that does not give them the right to (shock) you. A person has a constitutional right to speak their minds." <snip>

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/3166871

[Trillo]

1. Now they're discriminating against people with

loud voices.

"I zapped him because he didn't whisper in reverence. He didn't cower on the ground at my feet."