What Is a Taser?
A taser is an electroshock weapon that is commonly used by law enforcement officers. It is manufactured and distributed by Taser International, a company that specializes in the production of non-lethal weapons.
It is designed to incapacitate a person temporarily by delivering a series of electrical currents. It works by firing two small probes that are attached to metal wires, which are propelled by compressed nitrogen. [1]
These probes pierce through the clothing of the target and deliver an electric shock that interferes with the body’s neuromuscular system, causing involuntary muscle contractions and temporary paralysis.
The use of tasers has been a subject of controversy and legal scrutiny, with wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury lawsuits filed against law enforcement officials.
Types of Tasers
There are several types of tasers available in the market, each designed for specific purposes and situations.
The most common type is the handheld taser, often used by law enforcement officers and individuals for self-defense. These handheld models typically have a range of approximately 15 feet and use electrodes propelled by a nitrogen charge to deliver electric shocks.
Another type is the conducted electrical weapon (CEW), which is often used by law enforcement agencies as a less-lethal alternative to firearms. CEWs can have more advanced features such as dual lasers for accurate targeting and improved safety mechanisms.
There are also wireless tasers that deliver an electric shock through wireless projectiles. These wireless models offer an increased range, making them especially useful in situations where the target needs to be apprehended from a distance.
The Appropriate Time to Use a Taser
The general guideline is that a taser can be used for self-defense when it is necessary to counteract the unlawful use of physical force by someone else. The specific rules regarding the use of deadly force in self-defense on one’s own property vary from state to state.
To justify the use of a taser, it is necessary for the person using it to demonstrate that they were in immediate danger of physical harm and that their perception of being threatened was reasonable.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Related to Tasers
Wrongful death lawsuits relating to tasers have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. With stun guns being widely used by law enforcement officers and police departments, questions have been raised about their safety and potential to cause severe injuries or even death.
Amnesty International Report on Police Abuse With Tasers
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. [2]
In a recent report, Amnesty International shed light on the alarming issue of police abuse involving tasers, which has resulted in numerous deaths and incidents of severe injuries.
The report documented several instances where law enforcement officers misused these weapons, leading to fatal outcomes. Such incidents have raised serious concerns about the human rights implications surrounding the use of stun guns by police.
Amnesty International’s report revealed shocking statistics, asserting that there have been over 1,005 stun gun-related deaths. It also highlighted cases where individuals suffered severe injuries, including heart attacks and abnormal brain function due to the electrical currents administered through the taser.
The report calls for effective regulation and oversight of Taser usage by police officers, as well as the need for comprehensive training programs. It emphasizes the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions to prevent further abuses.
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Sources:
[1] Plouffe, W. C. (2023, October 10). TASER | Description & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/TASER
[2] About Us – Amnesty International. (2023, October 23). Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/about-us/
