I thought the purpose of the Taser was to avoid lethal force… but I guess when you look at what T.A.S.E.R actually stands for (Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle) and the occurrences of deaths by taser, we must remember the R stands for Rifle.  What do rifles do?

According to Amnesty International:

• More than 330 people are reported to have died since 2001 after being struck by police Tasers in the USA
• 90 per cent of those who died after being struck with a Taser were unarmed and many did not appear to present a serious threat.
• Many were subjected to repeated or prolonged shocks – far more than the five-second “standard” cycle – or by more than one officer at a time.

Perhaps tasers were not meant to be lethal weapons…The facts show that they are indeed lethal in some cases.

So why does law enforcement continue to use them?  Is it because they believe Tasers are a safe non lethal means to subdue people?

There were a number of Police officers that were tasered voluntarily during taser training classes.  These officers were under the impression that the taser was safe with no lasting affects.  None of the officers died, but some of them experienced serious health problems after being tasered and have filed lawsuits against Taser International! What does that tell you?

How many more people have to die before we understand that the T.A.S.E.R. does not qualify as a non lethal weapon?  How many more people have to suffer health problems and taser related injuries before we recognize that the T.A.S.E.R. is not safe?

“The use of Tasers can be a form of torture, due to the acute pain they cause, and warns against the possibility of death in certain cases.” —The United Nations Committee against Torture

I have friends and family members in law enforcement.  I am obviously just as concerned for their safety as I am for the general public.  I know that no matter what weapon police carry there will always be an argument against the use of whatever it is… I don’t think it matters how or at what point a taser is used…the fact that people have died as a result of being tasered is enough for me to consider it a lethal weapon! There has to be an alternative.

We have a responsibility to actively participate in shaping our communities which includes law enforcement and government.  As informed citizens we must act.  Today I took action by sharing this via blog and by signing a petition/sending an email to my Congress officials.  What will you do?

click here to SIGN THE PETITION: Taser Torture In America»

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