Van Meter modifies Taser fundraiser
Instead of slinging electricity at a Van Meter city official, the winner of a fundraising raffle will instead shoot a police Taser at a target.
The city is modifying a plan that would have allowed citizens to purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to use a Taser on either City Administrator Jake Anderson or Councilman Bob Lacy at a celebration on July 18. Two businesses are promising money toward fundraising efforts if the city agrees to remove the human element from the Tasing.
Police Chief Bill Daggett said both businesses called Dallas County dispatch asking to speak with the him about modifying the event.
"They wanted an opportunity to get their company out in the public eye and do something good too," Daggett told The Register."We never expected to have national or international attention or expected to have companies say we'll help you out."
About $4,000 have been raised so far, Daggett said.
"I am pleased to hear that Van Meter has listened to the very important concerns raised about the Taser raffle. I hope that this has resulted in a better understanding of how dangerous Tasers can be, and the need to ensure that they are only used by properly trained law enforcement personnel operating under clear policies," Jeremy Rosen, director of ACLU of Iowa, said in a statement.
Those who purchased a ticket with the intention of Tasing government officials can call Van Meter City Hall and get their money back, the news release states.
J.C. Owens, one of the authors of the book Aware Not Afraid, a guide to security for the family, wrote Daggett an undated letter promising to help fill the funding gap after community efforts.
"My only concern is in the use of a taser on a community citizen or official in your fundraising efforts," Owens wrote. "If the fundraising effort could be more directed in an educational direction on the use of tasers and non lethal force, I would be very much willing to extend our organizations support for your commendable fundraising efforts."
Daggett has said he wished to raise at least $10,000 toward purchasing a second squad car, adding more officers to the six-person force and purchase oxygen masks and defibrillators that officers carry daily.
A second Des Moines-based start-up called Wise Tactical Products and Uniforms will donate about $2,000 for all emergency lighting and siren equipment for the second patrol vehicle, again asking that no one be Tasered in exchange, according to the news release.
The city is still selling its $5 raffle tickets, according to a flier on the city's Facebook page.
It reads, "Whoa no one is being tasered."