On Saturday, I went to the Citizen’s Police Academy, sponsored by the Painesville Police Department.

I went to the event just for fun, but also to learn more about the department since my job primarily involves working with police and fire.

Throughout the seminar-style event, I learned about different police procedures and tactics. But the most exciting part of the day was also the most painful for me.

The police officers asked for a volunteer to be shocked by their taser. Admittedly, I raised my hand.

Having written about plenty of instances where police use tasers, I thought I knew what to expect. Boy, was I wrong.

With a thumbs up to the officer behind me, I was struck in the back by two metal prods that exited from a gun-style taser weapon.

The next five seconds were probably the most painful experience in recent memory.

The best way I can explain it is that electricity coursed through my body and also paralyzed me at the same time, making me helpless.

Once the five seconds elapsed, I was lowered to the ground by two officers standing by.

In talking to the officers on-hand, I began to understand the effectiveness of this new tool of law enforcement.

Although pepper spray is an alternative to taser weapons, the officers I spoke with explained that it can enrage instead of subdue some suspects.

One might ask, “Why don’t police officers take down combative criminals with just physical force?”

Good question; however, I saw five of my other classmates try, emphasis on try, to take down one Painesville police officer. After 10 minutes, they could not cuff him. And he wasn’t even struggling.

Although painful, it is effective in bringing down a combative criminal, who could injure himself or police officers.

If used properly, I believe it can be a good tool for law enforcement.

After getting tased once, I can assure you that it’s something I would not want to go through twice nor would any criminal.

- Jacob Lammers