Research Paper: Taser

Research Paper: Taser

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Executive Summary

Tasers, when used, administer an electric shock that causes the victim to lose control. Tasers are primarily intended to cause the incapacitation of a person in order to get the person under control.

Over 15,000 law enforcement agencies are using Tasers as a part of their mission of ensuring public safety. The prime intentions behind the usage of less-than-lethal technologies are that they are deployed to incapacitate a criminal, not to kill him. Using Tasers gives law enforcers the opportunity to successfully overpower the criminal getting him under control.

Various Law enforcement agencies introduced Tasers to provide officers with an alternative of using lethal force in less critical circumstances. Thus, the introduction of Tasers was focused towards the fact that using this weapon would save lives.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION4

PURPOSE5

DISCUSSION5

Issues Faced by Blue Island Police Department5

Taser - A Non-Lethal Superior Technology6

Using Taser Effectively8

Taser's Usage Procedures11

Taser's Disadvantages12

Implementation of TASER14

CONCLUSION16

RECOMMENDATIONS17

Education and Training17

Standard Operating Procedures18

Accountability Mechanisms19

Further Review of Police Use of Tasers19

REFERENCES21

Research Paper: Taser

Introduction

Law enforcement officials started using Tasers in 1974. These early models used gunpowder to shoot two “dart-like” wires that would stick to a person's skin and administer an electrical charge resulting in a disruption of superficial muscle functions. The early versions of stun guns did not prove to be successful in situations where an individual was extremely aggressive or physically challenging. These models were found to be ineffective when an individual was wearing heavy clothing because the darts would not get to the skin. (Johnston, 1990)

In the late 1990s more powerful and effective versions of these weapons were developed. Taser International is the only manufacturer of the Taser gun. The newer versions use compressed nitrogen to project the probes, which are attached to insulated wires connected to the gun portion. The new models of the Taser guns deliver a stronger electrical impulse that sends the individual to the ground in an almost paralyzed state instead of just subduing them. Moreover, Tasers are now being manufactured with the clear aim of increasing range, decreasing weight and improved battery life. Taser is an effective weapon in many police departments. (Fackler and Martin 2005) Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the possible impact, whether positive or negative, of arming the Blue Island Police Department with Tasers. The study extends to encompass the reduction in criminal activity and enhancement of the sense of public safety by means of Taser usage.

The reduction in aggravated battery towards Peace officers and coping with “resisting arrest” cases will be considered in the “Taser usage” scenario.

Discussion

Issues Faced by Blue Island Police Department

Blue Island Police Department is facing serious issues regarding the high rates of aggravated battery towards Peace Officers and difficulties in coping with “resisting arrest” cases.

Following issues are reported to have been associated with the Blue Island Police Department, which can certainly be resolved or reduced by using Tasers.

Battery: Striking or touching a person against their will or without the person's consent.

Felony Battery: A battery with the additional factor that the ...