[at-l] CASH STARVED FOREST SERVICE SPENDS $600,000 TO BUY TASERS

[Jan Lite]

**A PEER release today...



CASH STARVED FOREST SERVICE SPENDS $600,000 TO BUY TASERS

— Devices Remain in Boxes Because Rangers Lack Training

Washington, DC — The U.S. Forest Service has bought $600,000 worth of
"Electronic Control Devices" without any training program, rules for use or
even a written explanation as to why the devices are needed, according to
agency records posted today by Public Employees for Environmental
Responsibility (PEER). The devices, known as Tasers, are sitting in storage
and cannot be issued because the agency has yet to develop a training
course.

Due to an intense fire season, the Forest Service is now staggering under a
more than a quarter-billion dollar deficit, causing it to begin jettisoning
core programs. For example, the agency lacks enough funds to draw up new
timber sales. At the same time, the Forest Service law enforcement program
is hobbled by more than 200 vacant positions, leaving only one officer to
cover each 300,000 acres of National Forest and 750,000 annual million
visitors...

More at:
http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=952




More:

http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=952


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