Original Article Miami's Tasers defended Official says use on Florida youths was justified act Ihosvani Rodriguez South Florida Sun-Sentinel Nov. 20, 2004 12:00 AM MIAMI - The director of the Miami-Dade Police Department on Friday deflected mounting criticism over two incidents in which juveniles were shocked with stun guns. He re-emphasized that the department is still reviewing its Taser policy and that changes are possible. Director Robert Parker responded to the criticism leveled recently by community leaders and other critics who have blasted the department for using Tasers in recent months on a 6-year-old boy and a 12-year-old truant. At a press conference Friday, Parker defended the actions of an officer who jolted the 6-year-old in October after he threatened to cut himself and others with a shard of glass. To back their contention that using 50,000 volts to control the boy was justified, police released an audiotape of a 911 call between the school's principal and an operator. In the call, Principal Maria Mason says her staff was unable to subdue the child, who was bleeding from self-inflicted cuts and who had a history of mental and behavior problems at the school. advertisement "We can't get near him," Mason told the operator. "He's not close to any kids, but I'm scared he's going to hurt himself." After the tape was played, Parker vowed once again a thorough review of the department's Taser policy, which allows jolting children. But for the most part, Parker defended the policy, saying there's been no proof that Tasers are harmful to children and then complained that second-guessing police action is one of "America's favorite sports." "If there are any recommendations or suggestions out there, then we will certainly entertain them. We've said all along that we will review our policy and make any changes if they are needed," Parker said. "What I do know is that in the case of the 6-year old, the kid could've received serious injuries, and the officer could've received serious injuries and none of that occurred." Parker also said he expects disciplinary action against an officer who used his Taser on a 12-year-old intoxicated girl who was caught skipping class and tried to run away from police by running into traffic. In the Nov. 5 incident, the officer triggered his Taser after chasing the girl through a parking lot. The girl was later sent home with her mother. While acknowledging running into traffic jeopardized the girl's safety, Parker said the officer could have prevented the situation by using better judgment. Still, that incident isn't enough to change the entire policy, Parker said. "Like anything else, when you establish a policy, the majority of the officers are going to follow it, and you'll have some officers who are going to violate it," Parker said. "When someone violates it, we will respond with counseling or discipline."