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.
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