Just a few odds and ends I'd like to share with you . . . 1. TASER - MACE - WAIT FOR BACKUP Last evening I spotted a bumper sticker that read something to the effect of #TASER #MACE #WAIT FOR BACKUP. Yes, there are people who still don't get that following this format is not always possible, and in fact can have disastrous results for the officer, public, and even the perpetrator. Lethal force is sometimes necessary. I'm not certain if it's a case of people being unwilling to grasp basic concepts, or if they just don't have all the data. I'm not a law enforcement expert by any means, but here is my (very incomplete) analysis on why police can't solely rely on Tasers, mace, or wait for backup. Feel free to skip this part if you're already an expert. Tasers: I've read, and heard on several occasions, that Tasers are effective less than 50 percent of the time. Tasers use compressed nitrogen to discharge two probes. In order for the probes to effectively transmit the electrical signals required to incapacitate a person, both probes have to have contact with the person's body. If just one probe hits the target, it will not work. Considering that the perpetrator is likely moving, the chances of missing increases. Even if both probes hit the perpetrator, there is no guarantee they will work. If a person is wearing heavy clothing or is under the influence of pain-inhibiting drugs, the target may be un-phased. Mace: You need to spray mace in the perpetrator's face in order for it to work. As in the Taser scenario, if a perpetrator is moving, making direct contact with the face within a short distance, is tough. Also, what if it's windy outside that day or a fan is blowing? It could very well cause the officer's partner or other person to get accidentally sprayed. If you've ever played a game of darts, you know how difficult it is to hit the bulls-eye. Now imagine having to hit that bulls-eye when the dart board is moving in different directions. Wait for backup: In a perfect situation and world, waiting for backup would be ideal. Should the officer wait five minutes for backup? What, if during that time, the perpetrator doesn't cooperate during that period? A lot of damage could be done to innocent people in five minutes. Which brings me to an important topic: Police understaffing. Are the people who so vehemently insist that officers wait for backup, willing to invest in training more officers? As for "why can't the cops just shoot an extremity?" Two words: Center mass. Because of its larger mass, the torso region is an easier target than an arm or a leg. Hitting a target, from what I hear, is difficult even in the best of situations. Anyone can learn this stuff. Chief Koval and the Madison PD are more than willing to educate the public about lethal force and other police topics. 2. LETTERS TO EDITORS I'd like to start collecting letters that Madison PD supporters write to the local newspapers. I don't always have a chance to check for myself, so would like to ask a favor . . . if you do have a letter or article published, could you please let me know? The Cap Times published my condensed response to Chris Taylor. Here it is, if interested: http://host.madison.com/ct/opinion/mailbag/paula-fitzsimmons-rep-chris-taylor-comments-about-law-enforcement-are/article_59d148c7-7188-5626-a31a-6a42a749d97b.html 3. A PRO-POLICE CANDIDATE http://fitzforthefuture.com/ Steve has a number of debates scheduled with Madison's district 10 incumbent. One is being held tomorrow evening, and you are all invited. If you live in the Midvale Heights neighborhood, you're also welcome to send questions in advance to: candidate_questions@midvaleheights.org . I have several questions for the incumbent, including why he has never attended a neighborhood watch meeting. What's more important than public safety? The debate is on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 7:00PM at Westminster Church (4100 Nakoma Road). Please consider attending. One of the best ways to shepherd change is via who we elect. This is your chance to help make that real change happen. All the best. --Paula Fitzsimmons