The recent use of a Taser on a University of Florida student should put local police on notice.

The policies regarding the use of nonlethal weapons are off-limits to the general public, as they do not fall under the auspices of the Freedom of Information Act. The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, or DPPS, has, in the past, refused to release any and all documents they may have regarding the use of nonlethal weapons, citing obscure “operating procedure” clauses of FOIA. Given various incidences across the country involving the seemingly excessive use of nonlethal weapons, it is in the best interest of the general MSU public to come forward and outline what actions by private citizens may merit being subdued via the use of a Taser. DPPS has chosen to limit the information they release to the public regarding operating procedures in the past — for example, the riot in April 2005. However, the recent turn of events in Florida exemplifies the need for open, honest and candid communication to the MSU student body regarding such matters.