Detroit Police Chief Craig Exchanges Words With Community Leader Regarding Tasers

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit's Police Chief and a community leader faced-off in a war of words over the chief's proposal to equip officers with tasers on Thursday.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Stephanie Davis was the only reporter there rolling tape.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig confronted Ron Scott, the head of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality, following a Board of Police Commissioners meeting. The exchange was over the chief's plan to equip his officers with tasers.

"I think it's a great tool, it gives police officers another option," Craig said. "I know factually that it reduces injuries in both officers and suspects."

Craig confronted Scott about comments Scott made in an article calling Craig arrogant.

"It wasn't a matter of confronting. I have made repeated offers to Ron to be a part of our advisory board to come in and meet with me on issues that he hears and sees in the community, I've done that from the time I've started," Craig said. "The thing that I just wanted to let him know is that has not changed despite some of the criticisms that he has had."

Scott urged that the issue should be debated publicly before city council or the Board of Police commission.

"He can say what he says as law enforcement -- I can say what I'm saying," Scott said. "I told him that I've seen people who have died. I told him that I'm open and always will talk to him personally like I have with every chief on a personal basis."