Use of force by the Riley County Police Department is being reconsidered, with tasers and pepper spray causing less injuries than physically forcing a suspect to the ground. That was the apparent consensus of police officials, who addressed the Riley County Law Board Monday, about plans to change the policy and training methods of its officers. Lt. Josh Kyle explaining many injuries occur during training, and also by physically trying to force a suspect to the ground. He noted even the National Institute of Justice is recommending tasers as safer than any other method, with pepper spray, known as OC, as a close second.
The law board also heard more about RCPD’s “Operation Impact,” which Captain Tim Hegarty indicates will be focusing on Bluemont from Fourth Street to about Sunset, where most accidents seem to occur. 22,000 to 26,000 vehicles a day are in that area.
Meanwhile, another topic that has been examined for some time now is what to do about the RCPD shooting range, which has drawn written concerns from neighbor Bayer Construction. Board Chair Karen McCulloh, who also serves as Riley County Commission Chair, said the subject is not a new one, having been examined for a couple of years now. Schoen indicated the matter is still under study, with other sites even being considered.
The group did approve general orders dealing with collision reporting, FOP lodge and membership rights, and provisions for clothing and equipment.
And the law board also received an update from Community Advisory Board Chair Richard Seaton.
