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Tasers are handheld devices that fire two small dart-like electrodes, connected to the main unit by thin insulated copper wire. They are designed to puncture the skin and deliver a high-voltage electric current, causing neuromuscular incapacitation. While they are considered a less-lethal alternative to firearms, there have been concerns and criticism regarding their use, particularly in cases involving children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions. The effectiveness and safety of Tasers continue to be the subject of ongoing discussions and studies.
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What You'll Learn
- Tasers are a safer alternative to firearms
- They are not risk-free and can cause serious injury or death
- Tasers have been used on children, the elderly, and those with mental illness
- The darts can penetrate clothing and deliver an electric shock
- Tasers are one of the most studied, safe, and effective means of stopping a threat
Tasers are a safer alternative to firearms
Tasers are a brand of handheld conducted energy devices (CED) that fire two small barbed darts that puncture the skin and deliver an electric shock of up to 50,000 volts. This disrupts the target's nervous system, causing temporary "neuromuscular incapacitation".
Tasers are often considered a safer alternative to firearms for law enforcement personnel. They can prevent the use of deadly force and save lives. A 2009 report by the Police Executive Research Forum found that police officer injuries dropped by 76% in large law enforcement agencies that used Tasers compared to those that did not. Tasers can be used to capture suspects without causing serious injuries to either the officer or the suspect.
However, the use of Tasers is not without risk. A study by the American Heart Association's journal Circulation found that misuse of Tasers can cause ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, and even death. Reuters reported that nearly 1,000 people in the US died after being shocked by a police Taser by the end of 2018. The use of Tasers on vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with mental illnesses has also been criticised.
Despite the risks, Tasers can still be considered a safer alternative to firearms when used responsibly and with proper training. Law enforcement agencies should implement policies and guidelines to ensure that officers are educated about the risks and only use Tasers when necessary. The use of special cameras attached to Tasers can also help to ensure accountability and transparency in their deployment. Overall, while not without its risks, the Taser remains a less lethal option than a firearm in many situations.
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They are not risk-free and can cause serious injury or death
Tasers are a less-lethal weapon, meaning that there is always a possibility of serious injury or death when they are used. They are designed to be a non-lethal alternative to firearms, but their use has resulted in lawsuits and limiting legislation.
Tasers work by firing two small dart-like electrodes, which attach to the target and deliver a high-voltage electric current. This current is designed to cause neuromuscular incapacitation, resulting in temporary paralysis. However, the electric current can also interfere with the heart's rhythm, leading to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest. This is particularly true if the taser is used multiple times on the same person, or if the person has underlying health conditions or drugs in their system. The manufacturer, Axon, has identified that repeated, extended, or continuous exposure to the weapon increases the risk of serious injury or death. They recommend that total exposure should not exceed 15 seconds.
Taser use has also been implicated in deaths that occur after the use of force, such as positional asphyxiation. In addition, uncontrolled falls caused by Taser strikes can lead to brain injuries. The soft tissue surrounding the heart, as well as the skin, provides some protection against the electric current, but this is not always enough to prevent serious injury or death.
The use of Tasers has been widely criticised, particularly when used on children, the elderly, those with mental illnesses, and those who are already restrained. There have also been complaints of torture, with multiple and extended applications of electric shocks. As a result, special cameras are now often attached to Tasers to monitor their use.
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Tasers have been used on children, the elderly, and those with mental illness
Tasers are handheld conducted energy devices (CED) that fire two small barbed darts to puncture the skin and deliver a high-voltage electric current. This current overrides the central nervous system, causing uncontrollable muscle contractions and, in some cases, neuromuscular incapacitation. While Tasers have been deemed effective in preventing the escape of dangerous suspects and capturing them without causing serious injuries, their use has raised concerns, especially when used on children, the elderly, and those with mental illnesses.
Taser usage on minors has sparked controversy, with instances of their deployment on children as young as 11 and 14. In one case, a Texas sheriff used a Taser on a teenager trying to break up a school fight, resulting in severe brain damage and a $775,000 settlement. Similarly, a 16-year-old mental health patient in the UK had a stun gun fired at them by Greater Manchester Police. While some police departments allow Taser use on children as young as seven, it is generally recommended that officers consider the severity of the crime and the potential risk to society if the minor isn't immediately apprehended.
The use of Tasers on the elderly has also come under scrutiny. For instance, an 89-year-old frail man was subjected to a 50,000-volt shock from a Taser. Additionally, a retired carpenter in Wales, who was possibly experiencing the onset of Alzheimer's disease, was left traumatized after being 'Tasered' by police, allegedly for his own safety. Critics argue that Tasers could be more dangerous when used on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, and that their deployment should be restricted to highly trained officers and limited circumstances.
The use of Tasers on individuals with mental health issues has been a subject of concern. Mental health patients in the UK have had stun guns drawn, aimed, or fired at them nearly 100 times in a year. This has sparked debates about the appropriateness of using such weapons in mental health settings, with human rights organizations and campaigners arguing against their use on vulnerable individuals. Police guidelines emphasize that Tasers should only be used as a last resort in mental health contexts and that officers must adhere to strict protocols.
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The darts can penetrate clothing and deliver an electric shock
Tasers are handheld devices that fire two small barbed darts, which are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges. These darts are designed to puncture the skin and remain attached to the target until they are removed. The darts can travel up to a distance of 11 metres (35 feet) and spread 12 inches (300 mm) apart for every 7 feet (2.1 m) they travel. They must land at least 4 inches (100 mm) apart to complete the circuit and channel an electric pulse into the target's body.
The darts of a Taser device are connected to the main unit by thin insulated copper wires, which allow for a high dielectric strength and durability due to the high-voltage electric current they conduct (typically 50,000 volts or 2,000 volts under load). This high-voltage electric current is delivered in short-duration pulses, causing effects ranging from localized pain to strong involuntary long muscle contractions, resulting in "neuromuscular incapacitation" (NMI).
Despite their effectiveness in penetrating clothing and delivering an electric shock, it is important to remember that Tasers are not risk-free. The misuse or abuse of these devices can lead to serious injury or even death, especially for individuals with certain risk factors, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with medical conditions like heart disease or a history of seizures.
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Tasers are one of the most studied, safe, and effective means of stopping a threat
Tasers are a brand name for a handheld device that incapacitates a person by transmitting a high-voltage electric shock. The device fires two small darts, connected to the device with thin wires, up to a distance of approximately 11 metres (35 feet). The darts can penetrate clothing and, once they make contact with the target, deliver the electric shock, which disrupts the target's nervous system, resulting in temporary "neuromuscular incapacitation".
Taser technology is one of the most studied, safe, and effective means of quickly stopping a threat. It is a non-lethal alternative to the use of deadly force and can be used to prevent the escape of dangerous suspects without needing to resort to lethal force. A 2009 report by the Police Executive Research Forum in the United States found that police officer injuries dropped by 76% in large law enforcement agencies that deployed Taser devices compared to those that did not. Tasers have also been credited with saving lives, with Axon and its CEO Rick Smith claiming that "police surveys" show the device saved 75,000 lives through 2011.
However, it is important to note that the use of Tasers is not entirely risk-free. Misuse or abuse of the weapon can lead to serious injury or death, especially for individuals with certain risk factors such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with known medical problems. There have been criticisms and lawsuits regarding the use of Tasers, with human rights organizations like Amnesty International USA reporting at least 500 deaths as a result of Taser use by law enforcement in the United States.
To address these concerns, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of Taser technology and its proper use. Public safety and civilian training on Taser best practices, as well as adherence to agency or state policies and laws, are essential to minimize risks and effectively utilize Tasers as a safe and effective means of stopping a threat.
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Frequently asked questions
Tasers are designed to work on one person at a time. They fire two small dart-like electrodes, connected to the main unit by thin insulated copper wire, which must land at least 4 inches (100 mm) apart from each other to complete the circuit and channel an electric pulse into the target's body.
Less than 2,000 volts of electricity typically flow into a subject when a taser energy device makes a connection. The current is very low, in a precise waveform, which is why tasers are tested and proven to have a reliable cardiac safety profile.
As with all less-lethal weapons, the use of a taser is never risk-free. The manufacturer has identified risk factors that increase the risks of use, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, thin individuals, and persons with known medical problems. In addition, misuse or abuse of the weapon increases the likelihood of serious injury or death. However, tasers have also been used to save lives and are considered a safer alternative to firearms in many situations.
