Taser Signs New Lobbying Contract with McDermott Will

McDermott Will & Emery has taken up Tasers in Washington.

The firm is advocating for Taser International Inc. on regulatory and legislative matters concerning electronic control devices and related technology, as well as law enforcement information sharing, according to a lobbying registration report filed with Congress this week. McDermott partner Edward "Teddy" Eynon and professional advisers Mark Harkins and Erica Stocker are handling the account.

"We are helping Taser work with law enforcement agencies to increase the use of non-lethal control devices," Harkins said in a written statement. "In addition, we are helping introduce Taser's new video based systems that help lessen conflicts between law enforcement individuals and those suspected of breaking the law."

Taser has spent at least $30,000 on federal lobbying so far this year, according to congressional records. Before McDermott, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company only used Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates to advocate for it this year.

Comments

[Tommai]

Cameras are easily deeafted as the circumventing of dash cams has shown. Simply move the action out of the cameras field of view. Then there is the question of context. However I must admit that if citizens are allowed unfettered use of their video devices to record officers it should be in the officers best interests to be doing the same. People are more civil when they know their actions are a matter of record.But it has to apply to both groups!

[Mariana]

TRex: I agree that PVR's are not the be all and end all in terms if attempting to demertine what occured during an encounter between police and a citizen. Foot ball replays demonstrate that repeatedly as video shot from different angles at times seems to support different conclusions. However, video evidence even if flawed is preferable to a he said she said' scenario with out any independent record of what actually took place. Many police officers carry voice recorders and have done so for years simply to protect themselves and to be in a postion to provide a factual defence in the event they are accused of wrong doing.

[Mark Linton]

Taser ECD devices are a safe non-lethal alternative to firearms. Police departments all over the country now carry them. Taser is constantly refining their products, making them more safe and officer friendly.

[Robert Jones]

Well, this is a very good news for Taser to improve their legitimacy.

[Raymond Torres]

I think the more informed the public is about these tasers the better