Attorneys Question Use Of Tasers In St. Joseph County (Taser in the Groin)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

(SOUTH BEND, Ind.) -- Two attorneys allege that South Bend police officers and St. Joseph County jail guards have used stun guns inappropriately against inmates during strip searches.

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Alford, 25, of South Bend, said officers used the Taser while trying to extract a confession in the county jail, not to subdue him, when he was arrested March 21. Police accused him of possessing marijuana, a charge he denies. He admits, however, he was with a man who was trying to sell marijuana to him. Officers searched him, Alford said, but didn't find any drugs. He was arrested anyway.

Police officers searched Alford again at the jail, then decided to do a strip search, including a "full cavity search," the South Bend Tribune reported in a story Monday. According to a police report, Alford pulled what appeared to be a piece of baggy from his boxer shorts and tried to swallow it. The officer then prevented Alford from swallowing it and told him to spit it out or the Taser would be used.

After the electric shock was applied, Alford vomited, the police report said. Police say Alford picked up the baggy and tried to swallow it again. At that point, the Taser was applied to his groin, the report says.

More: http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=3380741