Autistic Schoolboy Tasered

(Indianapolis, Indiana) A 14-year-old autistic student reportedly became unruly at Creekside Middle School in suburban Indianapolis and police were called. Details of the incident have not been disclosed, however, it is known that the male student was tasered by an officer.

Although the police and the school have been silent on the incident, the student's father has spoken to the media, expressing grave concern about using a taser on school children. The father maintains that any of the boy's behavioral problems could easily be handled without using the disabling force of 50,000 volts.

Nevertheless, the incident has sparked debate about the appropriateness of using tasers on children, especially in a school setting.

My take? Tasers should only be used when they are perceived to provide the least violent achievable method available to resolve a disruptive situation involving a physical threat to someone's well-being. Got that? Least violent achievable method available!

And, unless the boy was threatening to harm himself, another student, a faculty member or an officer, the taser should probably not have been used.

Tip: Gary Waldrop