Police use of force in a college town

Earlier today, a college student was arrested for disturbing the peace at Sen. John Kerry’s town meeting at the University of Florida. During the arrest event, the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) officers utilized taser technology to restrain the student.

The fallout seems to be impending as the word spreads across campus and some local media outlets. Decide for yourself: were the police correct to utilize their tasers, or was physical restraint ample for the level of resistance the student was displaying?

http://video.nbc6.net/player/?id=157250#videoid=157250

UPDATE: Some students are organizing a protest today (8/18) - will try to take pictures and report back. Also, it was reported this morning that this is the same student that held up a sign that said “HARRY DIES” right after this last Harry Potter book came out. See:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070722/LOCAL/707220317

In fact, it looks like he’s wearing the same shirt! But I cannot confirm that just yet.

Forensic Science communications