Tasers

[FMJeff]

I've noticed an alarming trend of taser stories lately. It seems anyone who gets tasered, whether they deserve it or not, end up in the news. I really don't understand it. The taser is the only tool available for law enforcement officers to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation without causing permanent damage to the aggressor. For some reason though, it has become the symbol of abuse of power. Really? Try getting shot. Try a police baton on for size.

The taser shows we give a shit about people...that we prefer safer alternatives for police officers and criminals alike than putting them in a combat situation. Go to another country. See how much they give a shit about protestors and criminals.

The taser is the law enforcement tool of a civilized society. I'm glad the taser is around.

[JPMNICK]

i really think it is because it is usually caught on film, and since it is a non-lethal event, you can interview the victim after.

[TheMojoPin]

I've noticed an alarming trend of taser stories lately. It seems anyone who gets tasered, whether they deserve it or not, end up in the news. I really don't understand it. The taser is the only tool available for law enforcement officers to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation without causing permanent damage to the aggressor.

Pepper spray/Mace is also available, though that usually ends up hurting more people than just who it was targeted at if there's a crowd around.

[DolaMight]

Pepper spray/Mace is also available, though that usually ends up hurting more people than just who it was targeted at if there's a crowd around.

the exception is when they Taze a disorderly congo line participant.

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2004/06_25_04/images/293_9397.jpg

[A.J.]

Sticky foam forever!

http://www.defensetech.org/archives/images/sticky.jpg/sticky.jpg

[FMJeff]

Pepper spray/Mace is also available, though that usually ends up hurting more people than just who it was targeted at if there's a crowd around.

The thing about pepper spray, since it is basically concentracted capsaicin, you run into the risk of people with allergies to peppers and capsaicin in particular. It has also been documented in causing permanent damage to the eyes. It's not particularly effective either. You have to be relatively close to the target and hit him in the mucous membranes. The taser, depending on the model, can fire barbs at a distance and deliver the shock over two leads.

The other thing is, while the taser leaves the target incapacitated, pepper spray usually renders the target blind and in pain, but for the most part, functionally able to lash out blindly at those around it.

[JustJon]

I'm just as offended by people who call stun guns tasers. Very often, like the John Kerry "tasing," the victim is not hit with a taser but with a stun gun.

[FMJeff]

I'm just as offended by people who call stun guns tasers. Very often, like the John Kerry "tasing," the victim is not hit with a taser but with a stun gun.

I'm offended by your FACE. Stop splitting hairs, jew.

[Crispy123]

I've noticed an alarming trend of taser stories lately. It seems anyone who gets tasered, whether they deserve it or not, end up in the news. I really don't understand it. The taser is the only tool available for law enforcement officers to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation without causing permanent damage to the aggressor. For some reason though, it has become the symbol of abuse of power. Really? Try getting shot. Try a police baton on for size.

The taser shows we give a shit about people...that we prefer safer alternatives for police officers and criminals alike than putting them in a combat situation. Go to another country. See how much they give a shit about protestors and criminals.

The taser is the law enforcement tool of a civilized society. I'm glad the taser is around.

Cops should be able to restrain someone with having to resort to a Taser or stun-gun right away. At the same time, these guys are doing a service to the community and should be able to F-up a criminal that is resisting and to defend themselves. Its a fine line, I would have to agree that Tasers are a good alternative to guns.

[ChrisTheCop]

Watching Star Trek the other night, I saw both Mr Spock (with his pinch on the neck) and Dr McCoy (needleless hypodermic) subdue bad guys non-lethally. And they were ON VIDEO.

If we lived in the 23rd century, there would be people on this board who would protest their actions. ...(or maybe just if one of the red shirted security guys did it?)

[foodcourtdruide]

I've noticed an alarming trend of taser stories lately. It seems anyone who gets tasered, whether they deserve it or not, end up in the news. I really don't understand it. The taser is the only tool available for law enforcement officers to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation without causing permanent damage to the aggressor. For some reason though, it has become the symbol of abuse of power. Really? Try getting shot. Try a police baton on for size.

The taser shows we give a shit about people...that we prefer safer alternatives for police officers and criminals alike than putting them in a combat situation. Go to another country. See how much they give a shit about protestors and criminals.

The taser is the law enforcement tool of a civilized society. I'm glad the taser is around.

The comment I've put in bold is debatable.

Note to all: Please do not respond screaming that I hate the police and am an anarchist/communist/hater of santa claus. I am simply stating that there are people who believe that the taser could potential cause permanent damage to someone.

Here are some links:
http://www.wtlv.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=36713
Since then, he's had what his neurologist says is "permanent nerve damage."
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-12-29-stun-gun-danger_x.htm
"But a doctor working for Taser says a one-second burst from the stun gun was responsible for fracturing the back of a Maricopa County sheriff's deputy in 2002."

Just google "taser related injuries", there are many stories like the ones above.

[ChrisTheCop]

That was a very intelligent post. Seriously.

Our little boy's growing up. sniff sniff.

[TheMojoPin]

The comment I've put in bold is debatable.

Note to all: Please do not respond screaming that I hate the police and am an anarchist/communist/hater of santa claus. I am simply stating that there are people who believe that the taser could potential cause permanent damage to someone.

Here are some links:
http://www.wtlv.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=36713
Since then, he's had what his neurologist says is "permanent nerve damage."
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-12-29-stun-gun-danger_x.htm
"But a doctor working for Taser says a one-second burst from the stun gun was responsible for fracturing the back of a Maricopa County sheriff's deputy in 2002."

Just google "taser related injuries", there are many stories like the ones above.

Yeah, I agree with this, but I think Jeff's point that out of the tools available to them, the tazer is the best option in terms of it most being likely to NOT seriously hurt someone holds up. Nothing is going to be perfect and completely safe in these circumstances, but I think if the option is getting zapped, the nightstick, the flashlight, the punches and kicks and holds, or the gun, the tazer is by far the best option.

Those that oppose it, what would you prefer the cops use?

[Furtherman]

Those that oppose it, what would you prefer the cops use?

Stern language.


Hoo Hoo.

[Chigworthy]

I'm just as offended by people who call stun guns tasers. Very often, like the John Kerry "tasing," the victim is not hit with a taser but with a stun gun.

I hate this too, but why do you think that the Kerry lunatic was hit with a stun gun?

[foodcourtdruide]

Yeah, I agree with this, but I think Jeff's point that out of the tools available to them, the tazer is the best option in terms of it most being likely to NOT seriously hurt someone holds up. Nothing is going to be perfect and completely safe in these circumstances, but I think if the option is getting zapped, the nightstick, the flashlight, the punches and kicks and holds, or the gun, the tazer is by far the best option.

Those that oppose it, what would you prefer the cops use?

I'm not opposed to using tasers. I oppose them being used as a form of punishment or being used when other, safer methods of restraint could be used. And I don't believe I am the person to set those rules, but I think we should all be alarmed when we think the thin line between restraint and brutality is being crossed. I think that's our jobs as citizens in a democratic society.

[ChrisTheCop]

uh..ohh..... here he goes.
you were doing so well.

[foodcourtdruide]

uh..ohh..... here he goes.
you were doing so well.

Honestly Chris, do you think that the cops should not be subject to scrutiny by the public? I don't understand what's wrong with what I said above.

[Furtherman]

Didn't I already explain this in the other thread? Tasers are good and needed.

[foodcourtdruide]

Didn't I already explain this in the other thread? Tasers are good and needed.

Totally agree with you.

[ChrisTheCop]

FCD, the public has every right and responsibility to scrutinize the actions of the police; they are after all, public servants. So in that, you are not wrong.

Your latest post just reminded me of that "other" thread, where even when it was on full display that the cops were correct, you refused to accept it, and said they tased him to punish him, not restrain him...even though it was right there for all to see.

But this is a new thread.

So yes, with every tool/weapon given to the police comes the responsibility of the department, the public, and other officers to make sure they are used properly and in proper situations.

[foodcourtdruide]

FCD, the public has every right and responsibility to scrutinize the actions of the police; they are after all, public servants. So in that, you are not wrong.

Your latest post just reminded me of that "other" thread, where even when it was on full display that the cops were correct, you refused to accept it, and said they tased him to punish him, not restrain him...even though it was right there for all to see.

But this is a new thread.

So yes, with every tool/weapon given to the police comes the responsibility of the department, the public, and other officers to make sure they are used properly and in proper situations.

lol, so why are we arguing, we agree completely!

I totally respect the police for having the burden you mentioned above. It's sorta like what O & A and R & F have to go through regarding what is deemed "racist" on the air that could get them in trouble. The line is continuously being drawn and changing.

[FMJeff]

The point of my thread is why the ire over the taser at all? I'm sorry, but the "don't tase me bro" guy was a complete idiot who deserved to be tased. He was asking irrelevant questions about Kerry's "skull and bones" affiliations. He was wasting everybody's time trying to get noticed and on television. To that end, he was successful.

If this was another country, like say Cuba or Myanmar, he would've been been severely beaten if not shot for that kind of protestation.

If you're an ass, you get tased. Everyone knows an ass when you see one. :wallbash:

[JPMNICK]

I would take 10 tasings before I took one hit from the Billy Club.

[foodcourtdruide]

I would take 10 tasings before I took one hit from the Billy Club.

Honestly, I'd take 7.

[JPMNICK]

Honestly, I'd take 7.

i am sure Chris would Volunteer

[foodcourtdruide]

Sorry for the double-posting, but where am I being tasered? If it's the head, I'd take 13 taserings to one hit with a Billy Club. Arm, 4. Leg, 8. Chest, 6.

[foodcourtdruide]

i am sure Chris would Volunteer

I hope not. :)

[JPMNICK]

Sorry for the double-posting, but where am I being tasered? If it's the head, I'd take 13 taserings to one hit with a Billy Club. Arm, 4. Leg, 8. Chest, 6.

i would say you would take the club across the back / ribs area

[foodcourtdruide]

i would say you would take the club across the back / ribs area

Ouch. Knock the wind out of you. Hmm. 9. And I'd like to change chest to 12.

[PapaBear]

I just want to know why the stun guns in these videos all seam to be underpowered. When you see demonstrations of them in training videos, the person being shocked collapses and lays there. In the news videos, they squirm around yelling "ouch". Crank those suckers up!

[JPMNICK]

I just want to know why the stun guns in these videos all seam to be underpowered. When you see demonstrations of them in training videos, the person being shocked collapses and lays there. In the news videos, they squirm around yelling "ouch". Crank those suckers up!

maybe the tune them all the way down to make sure no one has a heart attack

[ChrisTheCop]

or maybe fcd, cpw and scottinnj are sneaking into the police equipment lockers and the batteries to AAA.

[JPMNICK]

or maybe fcd, cpw and scottinnj are sneaking into the police equipment lockers and the batteries to AAA.

you guys should just use nerf guns

[ChrisTheCop]

you guys should just use nerf guns

choking hazard.

[Crispy123]

or maybe fcd, cpw and scottinnj are sneaking into the police equipment lockers and the batteries to AAA.

Dude, when I get in the police lockers Im not looking for batteries...

http://boards.cannabis.com/images/smilies/custom/141141st.gifhttp://boards.cannabis.com/images/smilies/custom/141141st.gifhttp://boards.cannabis.com/images/smilies/custom/141141st.gif

[JPMNICK]

choking hazard.

not to to shot them with, just to poke and tickle

[FUNKMAN]

The taser is a great tool but i guess it will always seem barbaric to some people. just like the electric chair and 'shock treatments' for the mentally ill...

i wish they could come up with a safe 'tranquilizer dart' for humans similar to what they use for animals...

[ChrisTheCop]

The taser is a great tool but i guess it will always seem barbaric to some people. just like the electric chair and 'shock treatments' for the mentally ill...

i wish they could come up with a safe 'tranquilizer dart' for humans similar to what they use for animals...

Sadly, no matter what they come up with, some people will always see cops restraining a person as "police brutality".

Even if they could teach us to instantly hypnotize perpetrators, and it would ONLY work if the actual person knew themselves that they violated the law, there would be some people who would claim it's a violation of the person's consciousness, or something.

[TheMojoPin]

If this was another country, like say Cuba or Myanmar

I don't know about you guys, but I wish Jeff would shut the fuck up about Myanmar. I swear to Christ, EVERY thread of his, it's "Myanmar this" and "Myanmar that." LAY OFF MYANMAR, MYANMAR-HATER.

[ChrisTheCop]

I don't know about you guys, but I wish Jeff would shut the fuck up about Myanmar. I swear to Christ, EVERY thread of his, it's "Myanmar this" and "Myanmar that." LAY OFF MYANMAR, MYANMAR-HATER.

yeah right? besides, Myanmar's not the problem.
The REAL problem's in Burma, maaaaaan.

[TheMojoPin]

yeah right? besides, Myanmar's not the problem.
The REAL problem's in Burma, maaaaaan.

Fuck that, SIAM IS GONNA GET US ALL!

[PapaBear]

I think cops should subdue perps with Myanmar Pythons.

[Zorro]

Yeah, I agree with this, but I think Jeff's point that out of the tools available to them, the tazer is the best option in terms of it most being likely to NOT seriously hurt someone holds up. Nothing is going to be perfect and completely safe in these circumstances, but I think if the option is getting zapped, the nightstick, the flashlight, the punches and kicks and holds, or the gun, the tazer is by far the best option.

Those that oppose it, what would you prefer the cops use?

The supposed non-lethal nature of the taser seems to encourage cops to use it more than is really necessary. I have a heart thing and imagine that being in the wrong place at the wrong time with some yahoo cop and a taser could be my demise.
(I was in Las Vegas two weeks ago when some bikers went off on someone. The cops were there in minutes and one of them kept screaming at everyone both good guys and bad. His freakishness really elevated the situation and all I remember was someone is going to get tased and if it were me; even accidently. I feared death)

[A.J.]

If this was another country, like say Cuba or Myanmar

I don't know about you guys, but I wish Jeff would shut the fuck up about Myanmar. I swear to Christ, EVERY thread of his, it's "Myanmar this" and "Myanmar that." LAY OFF MYANMAR, MYANMAR-HATER.

yeah right? besides, Myanmar's not the problem.
The REAL problem's in Burma, maaaaaan.

Fuck that, SIAM IS GONNA GET US ALL!

"Don't forget Kampuchea!"

http://www.outtacontext.com/life/images/kerry_bush_debate.jpg

[Doogie]

The supposed non-lethal nature of the taser seems to encourage cops to use it more than is really necessary. I have a heart thing and imagine that being in the wrong place at the wrong time with some yahoo cop and a taser could be my demise.


Then be a good boy and answer the officers questions. All kidding aside, the taser is their version of the baton, and I know for a fact that cops that go through the academy now awadays have to be tasered and tear gassed. The purpose of this is to show the effect of those instruments, as well as lead into instruction to cops on how to prevent the loss of such tools. A taser is not a defribrilator and as far as I know it has not been known to cause any problems for people with "heart things."

[JPMNICK]

Then be a good boy and answer the officers questions. All kidding aside, the taser is their version of the baton, and I know for a fact that cops that go through the academy now awadays have to be tasered and tear gassed. The purpose of this is to show the effect of those instruments, as well as lead into instruction to cops on how to prevent the loss of such tools. A taser is not a defribrilator and as far as I know it has not been known to cause any problems for people with "heart things."

i agree, that slippery slope argument gets old fast. what about when someone runs, and then they have a heart attack. should cops only chase for a certain amount of feet?

[FUNKMAN]

why don't they teach the recruits this?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/41/Vulcannervepinch.jpg

or this?

http://images.wikia.com/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/c/ca/VulcanDeathGrip.jpg/180px-VulcanDeathGrip.jpg

[ChrisTheCop]

Watching Star Trek the other night, I saw both Mr Spock (with his pinch on the neck) and Dr McCoy (needleless hypodermic) subdue bad guys non-lethally. And they were ON VIDEO.

If we lived in the 23rd century, there would be people on this board who would protest their actions. ...(or maybe just if one of the red shirted security guys did it?)

why don't they teach the recruits this?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/41/Vulcannervepinch.jpg

or this?

http://images.wikia.com/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/c/ca/VulcanDeathGrip.jpg/180px-VulcanDeathGrip.jpg

ahem. good point.

[FUNKMAN]

ahem. good point.

ouch! i should read the whole thread... i lazy