Taser tag is serious in schools.

A battle is brewing over the latest defense in school security in some communities--use of the Taser gun. About 1,700 police departments have equipped school resource officers with Tasers, which can halt students in danger of harming themselves or others by delivering a five-second, 50,000-volt shock.

Typically, Taser use in schools begins when the local police department buys Tasers for its officers. School resource officers are police employees that also receive the device.

Proponents claim the Taser is an effective, non-lethal option. "The Taser is an alternate strategy in the use of force continuum. In many cases, it is a viable solution," confirms Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services. For example, if a student is about to commit suicide or threatens others with a weapon, a school resource officer may resort to a Taser if verbal commands fail to defuse the situation.

Unlike Tasers, pepper spray can affect innocent bystanders, particularly if used in crowded halls or cafeterias, and firearms are a last resort.

Others disagree. Amnesty International says some police departments may use the electro-shock weapon as a routine option for subduing unruly school children rather than a final step before lethal force. In Miami-Dade County, Fla., a school resource officer used a Taser on a glass-wielding 6-year old, a case that stirred considerable controversy because of the child's age. That and other incidents spurred Florida State Sen. Tony Hill to sponsor a bill that would ban Taser use in Florida schools. Hill admits the measure is unlikely to pass, but says it has spurred lawmakers to plan town hall meetings to develop a statewide Taser use policy.

Currently, Taser guidelines are limited. There are no federal recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education or Department of Justice, and maker Taser International says it is the responsibility of local agencies to set policies.

"School and law enforcement officials should have a dialogue that covers 'what if' situations prior to equipping officers with Tasers," advises Trump. "It's also a good idea to educate staff, students and parents on the front end to prevent uninformed and emotional reactions," continues Trump.

In Olathe (Kansas) Unified School District, school resource officers in all junior and senior high schools began carrying Tasers in September 2004. Olathe police developed a community education program that covered policies, and all police and a few administrators were zapped to gain an understanding of the device.

"Tasers have been a non-issue with students and parents," says Nancy Keith, executive director of student services. Keith attributes the smooth implementation to the district's solid relationships with the community and police.

Officer training is another key to successful deployment. A dash of common sense also helps, says Trump. Zapping kids without hall passes is unacceptable. Although a few eager administrators have inquired about personal Tasers, Trump says their use should be limited to trained peace officers, like school resource officers. Hill suggests teacher and administrator training to help them better control unruly behavior.