Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rhonda L Taylor, the mother of MacAdam Mason, who died after being tased by police in June 2012.
I would like to thank so many, and find it difficult to know where to begin. I am grateful to the legislative committees in Vermont for their hard work and dedication in developing a bill (H.225) that sets the standard of electronic control device, e.g.Taser, use in Vermont. Many advocates for civil, disability and human rights, legislators, the Law Enforcement Advisory Board and concerned citizens came together, working relentlessly over many months, to create this meaningful bill. Thank you! I also want to thank all senators and House representatives for recognizing the need for and their final approval of this bill on May 8, 2014.
Vermont will soon set a precedent that I feel sure other states will follow.
H.225 defines specific guidelines for use, while also requiring and providing the training needed for all officers in the state when dealing with those in crisis or confronting persons with disabilities; in ways that will de-escalate many situations.
Had the standards and training been in place in June of 2012, my son MacAdam Lee Mason would not have been killed by an unwarranted police tasering.
I am looking forward to the governor signing this most welcome legislation into law. Vermont will soon set a precedent that I feel sure other states will follow.
