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The university police department has implemented a new Taser use policy as well as a new training regimen in the use of Tasers for police officers.

This new comprehensive policy, which will be released today, illustrates the quick work of the administration.

Already they are integrating recommendations made by the independent investigative report released in August, which analyzed the incident where a Taser was used on a student in Powell Library last year.

University police officers will be trained by the start of next quarter.

The policy’s thoroughness – the new policy is 15 pages, up from the original five-page policy – demonstrates the department’s commitment to campus safety, which is commendable.

Expanding the definitions of words such as “violent” clears up the dangerous gray area that allowed events such as the one in Powell to occur.

We also commend UCPD for making sure they met with student leaders, giving them the time and consideration to evaluate the new policy from a student perspective.

Though it took an incident to spur open dialogue on Taser use against those who engage in passive resistance, these steps showcase the admirable willingness of UCPD to rethink their standing policies for the betterment of student life.

Hopefully another disastrous event garnering international media attention doesn’t need to happen before UCPD takes another look at all of its policies.