Taser…hummm, interesting!
Alright, touchy subject…
On the one hand I say these things are dangerous, under regulated and drastically overused. On the other hand are they a better option than using an actual gun?
When looking at taser incidents the number of people dying from heart related deaths is cause for immediate question of how they work? I’m aware of an independent study performed by CBC that shows the charge level can jump drastically over the manufacturers specified limit. If this is the case the taser manufacturers themselves should perfect their product before it is allowed to be used by any organization or individual.
Secondly, has the taser replaced the hand gun or the billy-club? If it has replaced the hand gun then the benefits to everyone are obvious. Being tasered vs being shot presumably decrease the chance of a conflict resulting in death or serious injury.
Now if the taser has replaced the billy-club or baton, this causes significant problems. Once given a tool that makes your job easier, especially when you are facing the possibility of personal injury, you are definitelygoing to use it. If this is the case certain rules need to be established with regard to use of tasers.
My question is what is the criteria for an officer to use their taser? If these aspects are more clearly defined and people are aware of them, it will perhaps make the use of this weapon more acceptable.
That being said without this the taser will continue to be seen in a negative light, justifiably.
Wow, rough subject… hope i didn’t offend anyone with my rant!! Till next post, vote for me!
Cheers,
Pfins

April 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
the pen is mightier than the sword… well done guy-guy
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I see where your coming from but for just a minute can anyone think of why police use or where handed tasers?? Because so many people out there decide not to follow the rules, they become rowdy, and my a police officers life, and others, extremely difficult… If they put themselves into a situation where a taser is used on them, can we all for one minute pass judgement on them instead of the police officer who is supposed to be protecting the people, and yet the people continually complain that we don’t get enough proction on one hand, and on the other continually complain about ‘police butality’!!
Come on ppl. think about it… Make a choice
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
good point, it’s a hard balance to find..