Macon Councilman Says Police Need Tasers, Plans to Present Resolution at Next Meeting

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon councilman says he plans to present a resolution by the next council meeting to require the city’s police officers to carry tasers.

Councilman Henry Gibson and the Public Safety Committee were informed Monday by Captain Jimmy Barbee with the police department that only the force’s SWAT team–about 17 officers–carry tasers.

Gibson questioned why other items like police cars and new computers have been purchased before tasers, which he says could have prevented last month’s shooting death of Sammy Davis, Jr. at the Pio Nono Kroger.

Gibson, a retired police officer, says he was shocked to find out officers don’t already carry tasers.

“Even if they have to get a certain quantity and leave them in the office and as they go on duty, they interchange,” says Gibson.  “Whatever can be done.”

Gibson tells us he’s working with the city attorney on a resolution and added he doesn’t want a similar incident to happen again under this council’s watch.

Council meets again January 29th.