Investigations Uncovers Tasings at MN State Hospitals

A two-month investigation has prompted swift action by the Department of Human Services.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS uncovered 38 reported tasings in more than a dozen state hospitals between 2006 and 2010.

The investigation found the state has violated federal guidelines when police are called in to handle unruly patients at Community Behavioral Health Hospitals. Federal guidelines call for potential severe injuries to patient or hospital staff or the commission of a crime before police are called into the hospital.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS found that only eight of the 38 tasing incidents resulted in a criminal charge or citation. The Minnesota Department of Human Services told us it is reviewing our information and will conduct its own investigation to make sure proper procedures were followed. And, DHS also told us it will start to form an expert panel to review when police force is needed in a hospital setting.

The federal government also told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS it is reviewing what we found in our investigation and will determine whether it also should conduct its own inquiry.

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5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Investigation Uncovers Tasings in State Hospitals