Cops in West Virginia Capital Banned from Carrying Shotguns with Lethal Rounds

After reviewing a use-of-force incident which left a Black civilian wounded, police in Charleston, W.Va., have been ordered stop carrying shotguns with lethal rounds. Authorities determined after a review of body camera footage of the April 30 incident, in which two Charleston Police officers shot and wounded a Black man wielding a knife, that the officers didn’t commit a crime.  Nevertheless, the department instituted policies aimed to reduce the number of lethal weapons assigned to officers, reports AP News.

The department plans to revise its stun gun policy, increase the number of officers wearing body cameras, and will no longer allow officers to carry shotguns with lethal rounds. Charleston Police Chief James “Tyke” Hunt says tasers are a great less-lethal option but suggested that the stun guns in their inventory be upgraded to the current model. Each officer who is issued a taser will be mandated to carry it while working.  Under the current policy, only officers ranking sergeant or under are required to wear body cameras, the department is also requesting that each member wears one. Officers will also continue to attend trainings related to decision-making, implicit bias, and de-escalation.