Sold as 'non-lethal,' Tasers killed 400 since 2001
Andrew McLemore
Published: Saturday December 13, 2008
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Sold_as_nonlethal_Tasers_killed_400_1213.html
They are marketed as non-lethal weapons that allow police to capture suspects or criminals without causing any permanent harm.
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and businessman Bernard Kerik made millions selling the idea to police departments across the country.
But Tasers have killed more than 400 people since 2001, according to a new study commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
Police departments across Canada began banning use of Tasers by their officers after the report found that Tasers deliver more power than the manufacturer says is possible.
It is unknown if U.S. police departments will follow suit.
The study includes a medical analysis that concluded someone shot with a Taser could face as high as a 50 percent chance of cardiac arrest.
The Taser company, however, still says its weapons can't kill.
"It is unfortunate that false allegations based on scientifically flawed data can create such uncertainty," Steve Tuttle, a Taser vice president, told The Arizona Republic.
Stories of Taser-related deaths have stacked up over the years, many involving police officers who never realized the harm their Taser could cause.
A man described as "emotionally disturbed" fell to his death after police Tasered him on fire escape. The officers who gave the order took a Glock 9mm from the locker room and shot himself in the head.
Earlier this week, police Tasered a man who had gone into Diabetic shock while driving. The officers later said they felt "extremely bad" about shocking him when they realized he was drunk or high but in need of medical attention.
"Taser's marketing coup has been to convince consumers that there is such a thing as a gun that won't kill," AlterNet reported.
On the Taser Web site, a marketing slogan reads: "Who says safety can't be stylish?"
Its known as less than lethal now.
What does less than lethal mean? Self definition.
Non-lethal bullshit.
Its supposed to be a substitute for guns. If an officer has to use a gun in a situation, the taser relieves him of killing someone, supposedly, with a taser.
Now, its merely a cattle-prod to achieve pain compliance.
And its not that its harmless. A report from Project Censored Media Freedom Foundation reveals that tasers and other non-lethal weapons leave lasting effects on the human body.
pls dun give our government ideas..
Tasers already being used by SG police even though UN calls it "torture".
Well, someone has to die from a taser here before people start to wake up.
That's dumb.
How can a high voltage not kill anybody?
Then why are they even being used?
Why is the population so ignorant as to not oppose it?
Originally posted by freedomclub:Tasers already being used by SG police even though UN calls it "torture".
If SG didn't even sign the treaty to ban cluster bombs, what makes you think they will ban tasers?
Originally posted by freedomclub:Then why are they even being used?
Why is the population so ignorant as to not oppose it?
Because the population knows unless you do something wrong, or you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, you'll never have to find out.
I suppose like holding up a sign protesting GST hike for instance.
Or maybe wearing some "offensive" t-shirts.
lol.. in NZ . police officers that want to carry tasers must be tasered themselves once before being authorized one to use on the beat.
Well, its different from tasing someone just because they didnt comply with your orders.
And thats how officers in the US are abusing the taser.
Originally posted by 16/f/lonely:That's dumb.
How can a high voltage not kill anybody?
High voltage wont kill anyone if the current is low. It'll just give a shock at most. Just like those affixed on electrical fence to prevent cattles running astray.
Of course, that jolt of voltage can still be fatal to a person with existing heart problems.
Originally posted by dibilo:High voltage wont kill anyone if the current is low. It'll just give a shock at most. Just like those affixed on electrical fence to prevent cattles running astray.
Of course, that jolt of voltage can still be fatal to a person with existing heart problems.
Exactly!
How can you say ANYBODY?
Originally posted by freedomclub:Non-lethal bullshit.
Its supposed to be a substitute for guns. If an officer has to use a gun in a situation, the taser relieves him of killing someone, supposedly, with a taser.
Now, its merely a cattle-prod to achieve pain compliance.
And its not that its harmless. A report from Project Censored Media Freedom Foundation reveals that tasers and other non-lethal weapons leave lasting effects on the human body.
Originally posted by 16/f/lonely:
Exactly!How can you say ANYBODY?
what i meant was any healthy person.
note that i have that disclaimer below. its like saying "everyone have to pay to travel on the train. Of course, if you are an infant, you don't need to." get what i am saying?
Originally posted by BadzMaro:lol.. in NZ . police officers that want to carry tasers must be tasered themselves once before being authorized one to use on the beat.
it should be the same for Police Forces worldwide...
Tasers are certainly far less lethal than a bullet and more effective than pepper spray.