MONTPELIER, Vt. -
The majority of Burlington police officers that carry tasers have had it used on them.
For 6 years Burlington police have used the less-lethal devices and leaders say they've made a big difference.
"Once we got the tasers we went down to very few, if any at all injuries on the job," said Lt. Art Cyr.
But the use of a taser has come under scrutiny this week after a Vermont state trooper hit a Thetford man with one, and died shortly thereafter.
"A time out for taser use in this state is essential," said Vermont ACLU chapter executive director Allen Gilbert.
On Wednesday, Gilbert called for an end to the weapon.
"Training is required for fire arms, and the use of pepper spray and the use of tear gas. It's not for tasers," said Gilbert.
But that's not true.
The Vermont state police policy clearly states every trooper has to receive training before carrying one.
We called Gilbert out on that.
"State police do get training, I read it in their policy, including getting hit with a taser gun," said Fox 44 News.
After pointing that out Gilbert back stepped.
He admitted troopers do get trained but says it's out of date.
"We think the policies that police, all police in this state are using have got to be updated," said Gilbert.
Gilbert says instead of using tasers, police should use other tools, including pepper spray.
Police however disagree.
"When I got sprayed with pepper spray it took me 45 minutes to get over the effects," said Cyr.
Whereas a hit from a taser police say last just seconds.
Vermont state police say they're waiting on medical results to determine whether to make changes to its taser policy. Governor Peter Shumlin says he will not call for a moratorium.
