Another Deal Already Done by Monroe?

After posting the story about TASER International’s upcoming meeting and expected windfall from the City of Charlotte and CMPD, citynewswatch received the content of this public document email that went out to CMPD staff from various sources:

TASER International will be delivering a Chief’s Course for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Monday, September 26.  Your attendance is expected.

The schedule is as follows:

8:00 AM –                        Honor Guard and Opening Comments

8:30 AM to Noon:            Rick Smith (CEO TASER International)   Mike Brave (Legal)

Noon to 12:45 PM:          Break for Lunch (food provided)

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM:       Steve Tuttle (Media)

2:00 PM – 3:50 PM:         Dr. Jeff Ho (Medical)

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM:         Scott Greenwood (ACLU)

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM:         General Q&A

Course Details-

TASER®, through the TASER Training Academy and in conjunction with the FBI National Academy Association, has put together a one-day program specifically designed for law enforcement executives and government risk managers, legal counsels and medical advisors and electronic control device (ECD) subject matter experts.  Topics covered include an overview of TASER ECDs, use-of-force legal and policy issues, medical information and risk mitigation.

Attendees will receive substantial factual information as to how TASER Electronic Control Devices incapacitate individuals, how these ECDs fit into law enforcement use-of-force deployment strategies, training considerations, various policy recommendations (including IACP, PERF and others), recent court decisions what medical studies are being performed and the findings and the effects of TASER ECDs on liability exposures and on reducing officers’ and suspects’ injuries.

IACP is the International Association of Chiefs of Police

PERF is the outside consulting company—based in the Chief’s old stomping ground of Washington, D.C., who has conducted the study we paid for after his own people studied the matter made recommendations.  (Doesn’t say much for the Chief standing behind his Staff, does it?  Or was it just another pointless exercise to get him to the next step, or does he feel they didn’t do a good job?)  And see the last post questions:  the City needs to investigate all the dates of deals made with TASER and with PERF.

It appears from announcement of this Monday afternoon luncheon—with mandatory attendance of members of CMPD staff—that the Chief and TASER International know that the Deal is already done.  Does City Manager Curt Walton?  Does Foxx? Does Council?  When will anyone answer?

What is the real story behind these reviews and the TASER purchase deal? 

Again, NO BACKROOM STORIES WITH CITY COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR SHOULD BE PERMITTED to explain this financial deal.  This is a couple of million dollars and an enormous safety issue, for officers and citizens alike.

We deserve answers.  Public answers.