Have tasers become an overused tool?

Question

This article presents interesting points of view, and an alternative for tasering: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1678641,00.html?xid=feed-yahoo-full-nation

It is NOT a safe weapon, contrary to what some may say, but a "less than deadly" one.

Has tasering gone far enough among cops, to be considered in urgent need of replacement?

Answer 1

There have been some extremely troubling and inappropriate cases of taser usage by law enforcement recently. There have been some cases actually caught on tape where it was obvious the police involved were using it to make a point.

I do think it makes sense for police to have it as a tool for disabling people who are presenting a legitimate threat to them. But clearly either some of them aren't being very well trained on it, or some forces are hiring officers who lack good judgement.

Answer 2

And each one of the points of view can't really condem the use of Tasers either. And the best alternative they can come up with is a blinking light that doesn't even exist yet and has to be developed!?

That's great, but you do realize that intense flashing lights can trigger an epileptic seizure in some people, don't you?

And no, there is no need to replace it at this time. Mr. Meyer had his fun and deservedly received Probation for being a disruptive jerk and resisting Police Officers. It would seem that the Campus Officers acted properly since there are no reports of them being reprimanded or disciplined.

Answer 3

I don't think so. It been given a bad rap with the media. What's the alternative?
Hmmmm..... Pepperspray
maybe you prefer the beating of a nightstick
or perhaps we should forego it all and just start poppin' caps'
What's your thoughts on a traquilizer gun? "less than deadly"means,there is a tomorrow for most. I'm more surprised that the general public doesn't own them.
What exactly is the complaint here?
My actions in the past don't reflect it,but I do hold law enforcement officers in high regard.

The truth is I'm old school,I think a good ***-kicking to be spiritually enlightning. I know iknow,save the horror for another time.
Anyway,NO is my answer. When you've jumped in their boots and have been in a situation were safety has been compromised. Let me know what you did?

Answer 4

obviously not enough...people still resist despite having seen the effects of TASERS. Nobody gets tasered out of the blue. It usually starts with a order, several times. Then the person resists, then they are warned the are about to be tasered, then they get TASERED. You are right. Its not "non lethal" Its less than lethal, but could very well be lethal. Thats a side effect a person may suffer if they chose to fight the police.
The TASER is an effective tool and more and more depts are using them. Mace is ineffective with a lot of people. Think of it this way...TASERing is often times effective at stopping someone, who, if they continued, may have gotten shot. I would expect to see their use increase in years to come. The manufacturer is also coming out with shot gun shells that fire taser rounds from a distance.
If people don't like TASERS or don't want to be TASERED, then don't resist the police! People seem to think, lately, that interactions with the police are negotiations and debates. They are not.

Answer 5

Tasers are great. They have prevented lots of people from getting hurt further. Agencies that use Tasers have reported fewer injuries to suspects and officers since they began using Tasers.
Taser has successfully defended itself over 50 times on wrongful death lawsuits. They have never lost one.
I have been Tasered six times in training and I think the Taser is an excellent tool. I have also used it in the field about four or five times. It works better then OC Spray and is less likely to injure then my ASP baton.
If people don't resist arrest and/or assault Police Officers then they have nothing to worry about.

Check this out:
http://www.taser.com/research/statistics/Documents/Injury%20Reduction%20Stats%20PUBLIC%2004%2025%2007.ppt#11
Or here if you want to read a bunch of real studies:
http://www.taser.com/research/statistics/Pages/FieldUseandStatistics.aspx

Answer 6

No weapon is ever safe. It is classified as a less then lethal device.

It is not over used, in many aspects of its use, a police officer would be authorized to use deadly force. The DOJ's recent study cleared it for use and just cleared it again.

It is not in urgent need of replacement in fact it needs to be expanded which it is Taser International is in the process of releasing their projectile that is used in shotguns. And it is only going to ge better from their. I personally can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Answer 7

It is NOT a safe weapon

Safe weapon is an oxymoron. If ANY weapon, even an open hand upside the head is needed, SAFE is not an option. The level of force required to register to a 200 lb. man on certain drugs would be lethal to the average 110 lb. woman. ANY device that is even THEORETICALLY capable of subduing ANYONE is potentially LETHAL to someone.

Given the chose between a Taser, a bullet, of a nightstick, I would prefer to be hit by the Taser.

Answer 8

So If The Cops Had Used Deadly Physical Force AKA Gun Instead Whatta You Think The We'd Be Asking???

Answer 9

no longer attempting to sound like a tricky guy, yet with regards to the only time I cry is using dying. I actual tend to grow to be extra pissed than disillusioned over issues. i assume i'm an exceedingly stereotypical male in that regard. Did Incubus of each physique extremely only call somebody else a sociopath and a psychopath?

Answer 10

No. What part of " sit down and be still and quiet until you're instructed to do otherwise" is so difficult for some people to understand. You will get a chance to argue your arrest, running and screaming at the police is not the correct way to do it! If you make that choice after being told REPEATEDLY to be quiet and still, then you deserve it.