AI reported 152 taser-related deaths in the US

[madmusic]

The use of taser weapons by US police has been linked to 152 deaths since 2001, according to a report published Tuesday by Amnesty International. The report found that most fatal taser electrocutions involved unarmed subjects who posed no serious threat to cops or civilians at the time of weapon discharge. Many were electrocuted while already in restraints and/or received multiple electroshocks.

The report points to the systematic misuse of tasers by police and in prisons, documenting their utilization on the mentally ill, children, pregnant women and the elderly. It also highlights the widespread policy of using tasers as a routine compliance tool on subjects who are passively resisting or simply not perceived to be complying with orders. ...

Tasers are a discreet and easy way for police to terrorize an increasingly non-compliant civilian population. Unlike conventional brutality, tasers often do not leave incriminating marks or physical damage (broken bones, bruising, etc.), and can therefore be applied more discreetly. It is for these reasons, together with the severe physical and psychological anguish produced by electrocution, that the United States military continues to use tasers in the torture of detainees in places like Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo.

http://wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/tasr-m31.shtml

Hat tip to http://www.talkleft.com/story/2006/11/16/133853/86">talkleft.com and the poster who posted it.

[provis99]

1. therein lies the problem of this "non-lethal" weapon

Its one thing to argue that the weapon will cause less death than simply shooting suspects in the head (which I provisionally accept may be true), but the real problem is state-sanctioned thugs using these as an instrument of torture, rather than a less lethal form of dealing with violent criminals. Ironically, I think the very idea that it is probably overall less fatality-inducing has led to increased use as a torture device. The creators may have had good intentions, but they should have forseen its possible brutal misuses.

[Kagemusha]

4. Well put. Even a safer non-lethal weapon isn't "safe"

and it certainly isn't there to serve as an instrument of pain.

[Kiouni]

2. rambo and the spring mattress

whats the difference here? they still look pretty after they bite off their tongue and crap themselves? it just inhumane no matter what.

[951-Riverside]

3. The CEO of the Taser International

Oh how I wish this asshole was at the receiving end of one.

[Irreverend IX]

5. Tasers should only be used...

As an alternative to guns in situations someone where violently resists a police officer. Any other use should be very strictly punished. It's a shame the cops don't take this simple measure to reduce taser deaths; it might be worth looking at as a federal legislation issue for the Democrats.

[madmusic]

6. That's a "gun control" issue everyone could back.

Use only as self defense, not in "contempt of cop" cases. Then there would always be the risk of false self defense claims if the penalty is too steep.

[readmoreoften]

7. I agree. Even gun-totin rednecks don't like tasers.

Edited to add me and my girlfriend are technically gun-totin rednecks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. The probken us that you will not be able to

do this at the federal level... it will have to be done at the state and LOCAL level

There are several things that REDUCE the misuse of any tool right now, no law needed.

1.- Civilian ride alongs

2.- Civilian review boards

This usually means P&Ps that comply with the intended use, safe lives in the long run and lead to better policing

In efffect, teh cops deal every day with the five percent that does not know how to play with others... and at times they get into thinking that if you ain't a cop you are one of them. So the two above measures do wodners

Add to this

Patrol mounted cameras, that way the sweet old lday that swwears at teh officer does not get scott free, but the camera also keeps the officer profesional while taking the insults from grandma... yes some grandmas are insulting

It also protects the officer when the young buck tries to assault the officer and the officer has no choice but draw a gun and fire... things like that. Oh and are also invaluable in craeting training aides for future officers... for the officer in question did not have long to think, but academies will deontruct the response creating more competent officers

[crikkett]

10. the cops should get one themselves, for every unwarranted jolt

while in stockades in the town square.

[upi402]

8. They are abusing it, torturing, intimidating, abusing folks

sometimes. Hasta stop now, Dems are in now.

[sniffa]

11. Lies, Lies, nothing but Lies

or so i hear on the UCLA thread.

[madmusic]

12. What UCLA thread? And what lies?