Are Cops too Quick to Use Tasers?

[smartvoter]

This thread got me thinking about this subject:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3379771&mesg_id=3379771


We've had a great deal of attention paid to it here in Phoenix because of the taser manufacturer and reports of death.

But what has struck me is the stats -- I don't have them in front of me -- were very high for usage (tens of thousands of times annually -- exponentially higher than pistols were ever used).

I guess it's not exactly an unbiased question, but, do you think that cops are too quick to use tasers?

ON EDIT: Can you kick after you vote? Thx.

[Sandpiper]

1. And night sticks, and guns

Particularly if the perp happens to be of the black or brown skinned variety.

[LiberalVoice]

2. Instead of sending 50,000 volts of electricity into a woman...

for not dropping her phone...Why dont they just pull it out of her hand.

[smartvoter]

3. I agree. Also thought it was BS when they said she swung at them.nt

[LiberalVoice]

5. I think I saw the clip on Scarborough.

He had some RW tool on their and in every instance after watching video of police using the tasers he immediatly made the assumption that had the police not acted EXACTLY as they had they would have been putting themselves and others around them in danger. Because as we all know police never make mistakes or badger anyone without probably cause. :eyes:

[blondeatlast]

9. Did you see the LBN thread about the diabetic cop that was

tazered?

Scared me witless. I'll post it downthread.

[LiberalVoice]

17. yeah I did actually

A perfect example of misuse.

[prole_for_peace]

4. they are using them as a first resort instead of one of the last.

"hey, that guy isn't listening to me. zzzztttt!" they got along without them before.

[smartvoter]

7. That's what I'm thinking, too. nt

[blondeatlast]

12. Indeed. Apparently since it won't "kill" they feel free to use it

quicker than they would deadly force.

[Seabiscuit]

6. Too many cops are trigger-happy in general.

[MercutioATC]

8. I seem to be the lone "no" vote.

Yes, they are used inappropriately at times, but most of the time, I believe they're used correctly.

[johnnie]

13. Me too

[blondeatlast]

10. Disturbing LBN thread on the subject from yesterday...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1516023

[Bouncy Ball]

11. The potential for abuse (using it when it is not warranted) combined with

the fact that it is 50,000 volts makes it too high for my comfort level.

[sir_captain]

18. Just so you know

it's not the voltage that makes it dangerous--it's the amperage. You have way more than 50,000 volts going through you when you touch one of those science museum globes that makes your hair stand on end. Amperage, or, the amount of *current*, is what is actually dangerous.

I know it's just a nit, but we might as well speak accurately about it.

[johnnie]

14. It seems to me

A lot of times the cops use something like this, it's because the subject refuses to comply.
A new thread might be, what should the cops do in a situation where a suspect refuses to listen to the cops.

[blondeatlast]

15. Then why don't you start one?

Because you are correct--that's another thread entirely...

[johnnie]

16. I think it's a possible flamefest

I am trying to keep my locks down to a small number.