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JulyTaser TagJuly 22, 2004 at 12:23 pm AST by Rodney MacLeodRecently
Jerry Knight, of Ontario, died after aparently being shot with a taser gun. Taser guns are supposed to be a non-lethal weapon used as an alternative to guns, pepper spray and batons. A taser gun shoots 2 barbed probes at the target delivering 50,000 volts of electricity affecting the nervous system and causing the target the crumple to the ground. After the initial shot the gun can them be used in close proximaty to deliver charges directly (usful if being attacked by multiple people). the affects are temporary and the target should get up within seconds. That is if they do not die.
There are 50 deaths recorded in the United States (4 in canada) since 2001 suspected to be caused by a taser gun. In most cases autopsies proved nothing. In These case it was usually found that the deceased had a weak heart usually the result of recent drug use.
When arresting a violent person police must consider the publics safety, their own safty and the safety of the offender. If the offender becomes violent they most be subdued. A baton, or hand to hand combat can only be used up close putting the officer at risk, and when effective the offender usually sustains injuries often requiring medical attention. Pepper spray can also be used, but pepper spray does not affect everybody, and since it spray can affect innocent bystanders or another officer. The effects of pepper spray are not instant giving the violent offender a chance to inflict more damage. The effects of pepper spray can last up to 5 hours as opposed to second for the taser gun. The last option would be the gun, definitely a lethal weapon, to be used in only the most extreme case.
Do the advantages of using a taser gun justify the less than 1 percent mortality rate?
Posted by Kent MacLeod on July 22, 2004 at 1:13 pm ASTThe taser gun is justified. Those individuals that allow themselves to be put in a situation in which a taser gun may be used should have to deal with the consequences. Those people who die brought it upon themselves. I have no porblem with the taser, I know i will never be in the situation in which I may be shocked. Ever citizen should not have to worry either. You only get shocked when you are doing something against the law or some sort of harm. Everyone knows the laws and the consequences. Those individuals are just lucky it is not me arresting them. They all would have at least 2 warning shots in there back already before I had I chance to find my shocker,.
Posted by Prudence on July 22, 2004 at 1:40 pm ASTUse the taser gun!! If they are in fact "unruly criminals" shoot the bastards, why jepordize the safety of our police. If your break the law, I say anything goes. You deserve what you get. The police are not just going to walk up to someone and use a taser gun on them for no good reason.
Posted by PAUL MAC on July 24, 2004 at 5:36 pm ASThttp://www.bigshocker.comyeh, use the shocker!! Works every time!!!
"Two in the junk, One in the trunk!"
Posted by Frank on July 28, 2004 at 8:14 pm AST>The use of the taser is justified, how many more people would be dead if the police did not have the option of the taser and they went straight for the heat. The criminals should be grateful for the taser.
