Missouri Troopers Could Soon Carry Tasers In Casinos

Casinos are supposed to be a place of entertainment. People go to these casinos to unwind from work, and relieve some of the stress from the week.

Patrons of casinos in Missouri had better make sure to be on their best behavior. New legislation has been passed that would allow funds for two Tasers per casino for officers.

It is not known exactly what the officers need the Tasers for. The Missouri State Highway Patrol requested that their officers be equipped with Tasers, and legislation was passed to allow funds to be given for two Tasers per casino.

"I don't know that being an entertainment venue, like we are, that we see the need for them to be on our properties," said Mike Winter, Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Association.

The concern of the casinos is that these officers will abuse the use of these Tasers. They are worried that the use of Tasers could lead to excessive force being used by officers.

The Highway Patrol assured that their officers would not abuse the privilege of carrying the tasers. "The Taser is merely a tool within that use of force continuum that is short of having to shoot somebody," said Mark James, Director of the Department of Public Safety.

April 28, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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