Tasers responsible for 500 deaths in the U.S.

Taser can be deadly

Police in the U.S. currently use Tasers to subdue dangerous or uncooperative suspects. The police claims Tasers save lives and considers them non-lethal tool. However, the data compiled by the Amnesty International indicates use of Tasers have led to a number of deaths. In several cases the death can be attributed to the unnecessary and forceful use of Tasers.

According to Amnesty International, at least 500 people in the USA have died since 2001 after being shocked with Tasers while being arrested or while in custody.

Amnesty International examined data, including autopsy reports, on hundreds of deaths caused by the use of Taser. The study found that many of victims were shocked multiple times and 90% of the Taser victims were unarmed. Although the exact cause of death was unknown in a number of cases, the medical examiners listed Tasers as a cause or contributing factor in a number of deaths.

Amnesty International believes the Tasers should only be used when the police might otherwise consider using firearms. Even if Taser shocks directly don’t cause death, it can have quick and irreversible adverse affects on the heart or respiratory system that can often be fetal. However, the police officers continue to use multiple or prolonged shocks despite such warnings

Amnesty International recommends that individual state and local policies be revised and replaced with strict national guidelines on police use of Tasers and similar stun weapons – also known as Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs):

  

“Of the hundreds who have died following police use of Tasers in the USA, dozens and possibly scores of deaths can be traced to unnecessary force being used…This is unacceptable, and stricter guidelines for their use are now imperative.”

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Reference;

Amnesty International on Tasers, USA