States question stun gun use by police, public (USA Today)

[struggle4progress]

WASHINGTON - Concerns about whether police are using stun guns to subdue suspects when the devices aren't necessary led Wisconsin Attorney General Peggy Lautenschlager to seek uniform use-of-force guidelines for police agencies across the state.

In New Mexico, state lawmakers are considering whether to classify stun guns as "deadly weapons" and outlaw sales to the public.

And in Arizona, home to Taser International - the nation's largest maker and distributor of the devices, also known as Tasers - Attorney General Terry Goddard has begun an inquiry into company claims that the devices are a safe alternative to using guns to stop suspects.

The actions reflect an escalating effort by state officials to determine whether police departments should further restrict use of stun guns, which emit electrical charges to temporarily incapacitate suspects. <snip>

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=national&story_id=030405a2_tasers

There must be a helluva lot of noise out there on this issue if USAToday is going to cover it ...