Another Taser Death For The "Non-Lethal" weapon

Overview Of Taser Policies http://www.9wsyr.comTasers have been a source of controversy in communities across the country. They've been in our area for more than five years.There are five police agencies in central New York with tasers. Some of them did not want to share their policies with us because of this story. However, the city of Oswego shared exactly what goes into the training for its officers.You've probably seen the immediate effect of a taser. But, how does it get to that point?Oswego Police explain the typical taser training required to get one of the weapons.Lt. Troy DeClaire says, "A lot of it is going to be officer common sense. It boils down to whatever the minimum amount of force is necessary to get the arrest or to control an uncooperative, combative subject; that's what they should use."Officers take six hours of training before getting the taser on their belt. They're taught to pull out the taser at a time when pepper spray would also make sense. It's not a replacement for defense tactics or a firearm. It's supposed to be another way to prevent further injury to the officer and people on the street.Oswego city officers have never had to fire a gun on someone. Since 2006, the taser has been used 20 times. That's why they say this is a pretty good tool.Every time the person has calmed down to comply with police.DeClaire says, "We don't want officers to start thinking taser when they arrive on a scene without talking to people and evaluating the situation. But, once the officers have done that and determined the level of force necessary, they can certainly resort to the taser to accomplish their goals."In Oswego, officers have used the 50,000 volts on people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who are emotionally unstable.In the 20 or more times the taser has been used, the only injuries have been from when the person falls, so cuts and bruises.The investigation will determine if the Clay officer used his taser at an appropriate time. An autopsy report will address if the weapon caused Jackson's death or if there was another factor.The death in the town of Clay is the first one in our area associated with what's supposed to be a non-lethal weapon.But, it's happened hundreds of times across the country.The American Civil Liberties Union in Syracuse released a report that from 2004 through January 2007 there were 194 deaths in the U.S.Other offices have reported more than 300 deaths.Dozens of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Taser International. The company prides itself on its aggressive approach in the courtroom.Last month, it announced the 64th, 65th, and 66th case to be dismissed. They've only settled a few cases out of court, they say, because it was cheaper than paying attorney fees.The ACLU and Amnesty International have campaigns going on asking for tasers to be taken away from police officers because it's a violation of human rights.On the other hand, Taser International says its executives have all taken the voltage themselves. And, all officers who carry one of the weapons has to be exposed to the pain for at least one second during their training.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: harrythomasinfo

Length: 04:07
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Tags: "Non-Lethal"  Another  Death  For  News  Taser  The  weapon  

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