Aug. 29, 2021 8:30p
(WGTD)---Kenosha Alder Anthony Kennedy is proposing that a committee be formed to study alternatives to the use of rubber bullets and tear gas in controlling unruly crowds. The three-page resolution is an outgrowth of last summer's protests of the Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha that at times turned violent and destructive.
The proposal is expected to be discussed at Monday night's meeting of the city's Public Safety and Welfare Committee.
The resolution notes that some health care professionals have come out against the use of both tear gas and rubber bullets for a variety of health reasons.
Earlier this year, a free-lance photographer working for the New York Times filed a claim against the city after she was hit in the hand by a rubber bullet while covering a Blake demonstration. The claim says she had to undergo two surgeries and receive physical therapy. It's believed that a law enforcement officer from an outside agency fired the projectiles, since Kenosha officers are neither trained or authorized to use the projectiles, according to the resolution. Numerous agencies responded to calls for help from Kenosha police during the city's unrest.
The resolution specifically calls for the City Council to go on record upfront against the use of rubber bullets. When it comes to tear gas, the proposal uses softer language in that it would require the police department to come up with de-escalation alternatives to the use of tear gas, as well as "non-lethal rounds and riot control agents", by the end of the year. A committee appointed by the mayor would be directed to make recommendations to the police department. Committee appointments would "preferably" include police academy instructors, civil libertarians, former law school instructors, military, social workers and former elected officials.
The City Council would then review the findings and determine whether to prohibit the use of tear gas and non-lethal rounds.
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