Mayor Dabbs volunteers to be tased during citizen training. Scroll down for the video.
Thursday night at the Bryant Citizens Police Academy, several people volunteered to be tased as part of the “Use of Force” segment. There were six class participants that agreed to step up to the challenge – one of them was Mayor Jill Dabbs.
“We offered this experience so the participants can get a small taste of the training that officers go through. Even though we were all laughing and having fun with this, it opened the eyes to each one of them and when asked how they felt afterwards, they all gave a similar answer – ‘this is crazy.’” said Sgt. Todd Crowson
Bryant Police Department went live on Facebook as each volunteer was hit with the Taser darts. The Mayor called it “riding the lightning” when she told MySaline about this event earlier in the day. Reports are that is what it feels like to be tased.
Among questions asked in the Facebook video comments, people wanted to know “Why would you put yourself through this?” Mayor Dabbs gave her own answer about her experience and what it meant to her.
“After just a small taste of what the officers go through on a routine basis, it really makes you appreciate police officers more. They are often underappreciated and underpaid for the service they provide.”
She continued, “I’ve wanted to attend a citizens police academy for quite some time. When I realized the Bryant Police were going to provide multiple hands on experiences in this academy I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Life is short, I believe in saying yes to experiences that stretch us, make us a little bit afraid, and connect us with others and their perspective of the world.”
Sgt. Crowson said, “With 6 sessions left, we look forward to providing new challenges and more education to what it is like to wear the badge.” For more information regarding the Bryant Police Department Citizens Academy, please contact Sgt. Todd Crowson.
You can watch the live video below or by following this link https://www.facebook.com/139570392787675/videos/704414689927893/