Does Canada have the best practice?

In spite of these concerning incidents and the continuous negative reactions from the general public, these countries have increased the amount of Tasers in the possession of the law enforcement agents in their country and there is no significant change in the safety approach.

 In my opinion there is no obvious difference in how Tasers are been used locally or internationally. There is no best practice whatsoever.     

 

 

 

 

Taser usage in Canada compared to other countries

In comparison to other well known countries Canada’s Taser related deaths seems considerably low apart from Britain. While Canada’s neighbouring country is more than imaginable.

According to wikipedia.org, records show that Taser related deaths in Britain has been more than 10 between the year 2009 till 2012. While in Canada about the same time there 29 Taser related deaths. And 513 in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 In the picture above, the Taser is releasing about 50,000 volts of electricity.

According to James Ruggieri’s article “Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers”, “Taser’s output 39 times more powerful than specified.” “The discharge of a Taser is sufficient to trigger ventricular fibrillation, a 50 percent risk according to electric safety standards”. It is interesting that the Canadian police still think that Taser usage is safe without restrictions.

 Direct Impact of Taser Contact

Wrongful Use of Tasers

Tasers are hand held devices also known as “Stun guns” that produces a jolt of electricity, which triggers an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue. The person is immobilized and falls to the ground.

Recently there has been series of injuries and fatalities as a result of the use of Tasers by law enforcement officers in Canada. Cases such as Robert Dziekanski who was shocked to death with a Taser at the Vancouver Airport, B.C. and many more.

 

Could these fatalities have been prevented?

According to Taser International Inc. (Taser manufacturers) Tasers are intended “to incapacitate dangerous combative or high risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement/correctional officers, innocent citizens, or themselves.

Should limits be set on the use of Tasers by law enforcement officers in Canada?

Yes, Stun guns are supposed to be used instead of firearms, so they should be used by specially trained officers who undergo intensive and ongoing trainings.

Tasers should not be fired more than once on an individual considering the amount of electric shock released. Taser shots should be directed towards specific parts of the body such as legs, arms, avoiding the chest area. According to Wikipedia, Taser International Inc. has stated in a training bulletin that repeated blasts of a Taser can “impair breathing and respiration.”

 Tasers should not be used on persons that are unarmed except if posing danger to others or themselves.

 

Opinions and comments are welcome.