By Krista Daly
It was recently suggested that the San Marino Police Department be the first in the country not to carry firearms.
City Councilman Dennis Kneier made a comment during the council meeting on Friday, May 29 while the state of the police was being discussed asking if a system such as one in the United Kingdom would work for San Marino. He read that police departments in the United Kingdom use tasers on a day-to-day basis, and do not carry a firearm with them at all times.
However, London police officers have become recently armed.
“Maybe see if the community has an appetite for following the United Kingdom kind of policing,” he said. “I suggest we do some research on it.”
Police Chief John Incontro responded saying, “We would be the only law enforcement agency in the country” not to carry firearms. A taser is about 75 percent effective, while OC spray is 50 percent effective, he added.
“It is not a replacement for a firearm,” Incontro said.
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