When the Taser gun was first proposed as a police weapon both the police and the government promised that it's use would be subject to strict controls.
They promised that it would only be used as an alternative to the use of a firearm. In such situations, the Taser would be less deadly and the situation could be resolved without loss of life.
There was also the promise that each and every instance where a Taser was fired would be subject to the exact same investigation following the firing of a police firearm.
As critics claimed at that time, this was a pack of lies to deceive the public. The use of Taser's quickly degenerated to " general use " and in many cases police preferred to subdue an offender by Taser rather than engage in combat with a baton, thus putting themselves at risk of injury.
There are no intensive investigations on each use of the Taser - and in many cases the unfortunate offender is subjected to multiple firings.
The only time this subject gets any sort of attention - is when someone dies. Initially, a death outside St Georges Leagues club on Sunday night contained a report that the victim was Tasered. The police were quick to refute this - but did admit that a Taser was used on another offender at the same incident.
From all reports, this was another of those cases where use of a police pistol would not have been considered because there was no danger to police, merely a boisterous but intoxicated man who needed restraint.
Police are using the Taser as an item of convenience - and it is still a risky option - with the possibility of causing death !
No comments:
Post a Comment