[Mulder]

Exactly...it sounds like in both cases, the officers used what they had on hand to try and safegaurd these kids from themselves.

Perhaps.

As the mindset of the many police officers (a growing number) continues to be one of an occupying soldier instead of a peace officer, fewer and fewer citizens will give them the benefit of the doubt in the scenarios.

Futhermore, an increasing number of Americans are viewing the police in exactly the same way many of them act: like an occupying army.

[Colorado Doug]

As the mindset of the many police officers (a growing number) continues to be one of an occupying soldier instead of a peace officer, fewer and fewer citizens will give them the benefit of the doubt in the scenarios.

While given the facts as I read them, I don't see any problem with a juvenile delinquent brat getting tased for resisting arrest, I fully agree with you regarding the para-militarization of our police forces. Military and police missions are different and wide separation is necessary in a free society. In other words, no jack booted thugs needed.

[Jeff Head]

I am one who has for years watched and been concerned with the militarization of police and the potential for abuse. I have kept a rather lengthy list of examples on one of my sites and am disposed to call it that way when I see it...but in this case, I do not believe it is the case.

The 6 year old had a shard of glass...I do not believe the police officer would have tased the kid if it had been something simple, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.

The 12 year old girl was not simply playing hooky...she was drunk and about to run out into the street where she could have been killed.

In both cases, if indeed they are as reported here, I believe the police took the measures they did to protect these particular youngsters from themselves.

Just my opinion based on what I am reading here.