Following several months of research, most of the documents related to the Hanson case were obtained in order to compile a presentation which was given on campus in November, 2006. It was entitled "Community or Commodity? Questioning the Death of Nick Hanson." 

 

In this presentation are the reports that describe the incident that occurred the night of January 22. Included are the Ashland Police Reports, 911 call, the Ashland Fire and Rescue (ambulance) report, and the Rogue Valley Medical Care Emergency Room Report. In addition to these documents are legitimate questions and concerns that were addressed after obtaining the documents. The most poignant concerns raised were that of conflicting police reports, inadequate emergency response time, ethical issues involving the use of Tasers, and medical precautions not taken the night Nick died.

 

 

 

Although the ACLU released a report, in September of 2007, charging the Ashland Police Department with excessive use of force (with Tasers) five out of seven times, it seems that Tasers are gaining more respect by the Ashland community. Shortly after the report was released, the Ashland City Council approved a request made by Police Chief Terry Holdnerness, alloting 30 new Tasers to APD.

In August of 2009, Ashland City Council waived their initial request of a mandatory report every time a Taser was drawn and not used by an APD officer.

You can read more about these reports by clicking on the "Local Taser Articles" link under "Tasers."