A Stunning Event at Arizona Library

Was a police officer in Chandler, AZ, justified in using a stun gun on a youngster during a disturbance at the public library? Absolutely, says a 15-member citizen's panel, which recently ruled unanimously in favor of Police Officer Arturo Salazar using an electronic Taser to stun 13-year-old Dominique Laureano at the Chandler Public Library last September.

Apart from the girl's family and friends, there's been no outcry from anyone—not even among librarians. "The media and the public—including kids and parents—are in favor of how it was handled," says library spokesperson Nachie Marquez.

It all started on September 29, 2003, when Salazar and Officer Marc Olivier were called to the library after Margaret Marquez, a 58-year-old patron, reported that someone had thrown a book at her, hitting her in the back. According to the police report, Laureano shouted obscenities and "began to fight" Olivier as he tried to secure her with handcuffs. As the two officers forced the teen to the ground, she "pulled her legs toward her body in an attempt to kick" Olivier. That's when Salazar applied the Taser to her back, giving Laureano a five-second 50,000- volt electric jolt. The teen was later put on probation by a juvenile court judge.

What message does this send to kids who engage in disruptive behavior at the library? "When you come into a public facility you must be respectful of others," says Marquez, the library spokesperson. Even the Arizona Library Association is withholding any criticism of the matter. "Excessive force is a question for police and local authorities to look at," says association President Betsy Stunz-Hall.