05/27/07, 12:40AM

HPD Taser policies

Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

The Houston Police Department declined to release its written policies on Taser use, but Executive Assistant Chief Charles McClelland provided these details:

When Taser use is allowed

• Officers are allowed to use force, including Tasers, to protect themselves and others, to make arrests and to maintain custody of people.

• They are instructed to use the minimum amount of force necessary.

• Tasers, an intermediate weapon, can be used any time officers otherwise would use batons or would physically confront people.

When Taser use is prohibited

• When chemical spray from another agency has been deployed (because of the risk that it is flammable).

• If a suspect is passively resisting.

• To protect against damage of property.

• Against a fleeing suspect, unless there are extenuating circumstances.