More than 60 people packed a room at Union Baptist Church in Swissvale last night to air concerns about the death of Andre Thomas, who died earlier this month after a confrontation with police.

During the two-hour meeting, which became heated at times, some community members said they still have unanswered questions about Mr. Thomas' death, including whether Swissvale police officers used excessive force when one stunned him with a Taser to subdue him.

Mr. Thomas died Aug. 5, shortly after being stunned three times by Swissvale police officers.

Others urged borough leaders to review the police department's policy on Taser use, and some wondered wether the electronic shock device should be eliminated.

Swissvale Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder said she was advised not to disclose the department's policy during the investigation into Mr. Thomas' Aug. 5 death. Police Chief Greg Geppert was on an assignment and could not attend the meeting, she said.

"You won't talk about the policy, then take away the Tasers until you can," said David Meieran of the Stop Taser Abuse Today campaign, who called the device "torture toys."

Mr. Thomas' relatives are still awaiting an explanation from the Allegheny County medical examiner about the cause of his death. Some of them attended the meeting, but said they couldn't discuss the investigation.

The conversation later turned from Tasers to topics such as violence prevention, civic involvement and improving tense relationships between police and the community. The large group of residents, activists, community leaders and some officials resolved to continue their dialogue.

"We always seem to come together when something bad happens," Swissvale resident Louise Walker said. "Here's the opportunity for us to stick together."