Tasers: Making Law Enforcement Safer

Alexis Wafstet
April 25, 2007

Taser devices are becoming a more commonly used tool in law enforcement throughout the United States. While there is some controversy about safety issues with tasers, law enforcement officers sing their praises all over the US and other countries throughout the world where the technology is used. Tasers are a safer, less lethal and more effective defense tool for law enforcement when facing situations that pose a threat to their safety.

Tasers use a technology known as Electo-muscular Disruption (EMS) and delivers a powerful 18-26 watt signal that completely overrides an assailant’s central nervous system that controls their skeletal muscles. When the trigger is pulled by the law enforcement officer, two small probes are projected out and attach to the assailant’s body or clothing traveling up to 15 feet at a speed of 180 feet per second. They include an automatic timing mechanism that applies the electric charge for approximately 5 seconds which interferes with communication between the offender’s brain and their muscular system, typically knocking them down. This process works with minimum violence or injury to the offender, as well as the law enforcement officer, who would now be able to detain the offender without lethal use of force.

Previous to the introduction of taser devices in law enforcement, officers used other tools to stop offenders such as pepper spray, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds or their batons in hand to hand combat. These methods would put the officer in close range of the offender and often cause injuries to themselves in the process of trying to stop the offender and complete the arrest. If these methods failed, the officer was faced with the split second decision of lethal force against the offender, by shooting them with their gun. Not only is this a dangerous alternative, but it causes numerous lawsuits for law enforcement officers by families of offenders claiming excessive use of force. A law enforcement officer’s primary job is to protect people and save lives and whether they are dealing with an violent criminal or not, most officers choose to apprehend an offender without using lethal force. Tasers not only help protect the public and law enforcement, but also the offender from certain death.

According to extensive studies conducted by Taser International, Inc., as well as law enforcement agencies around the United States, taser devices are a safe, non-lethal tool that can be used to save lives everyday. Tasers are currently being tested or are in deployment at over 6,000 law enforcement and correctional agencies nationwide. Most studies have conclusive results showing that anywhere from 10-20 offenders during the course of the study, would have been dealt with by using lethal force if tasers were not an option. Additionally, the taser models used by law enforcement have a tracking device installed which records the time when the device was used preventing misuse or abuse of the weapon, which other alternatives do not.

The bureaus of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began testing taser devices in their work in 2003 and found that there were injuries from the devices during their training sessions and chose to ban them from use by their officers. ICE Spokesman, Russ Knocke states his decision was made “based on an abundance of caution” and wanted to study further reports currently taking place by other law enforcement agencies, but does not rule them completely out as a future option. Amnesty International has reported their belief that taser devices are in violation of people’s civil rights and they refuses to accept the reported results of taser research studies conducted by independent medical reviewers and police experts. They have called for rights to conduct their own research studies, but Rick Smith, founder of Taser International, Inc. has denied their requests and asked that they continue to monitor studies currently being conducted by law enforcement agencies.

While taser devices are not without risk, they are a much safer alternative to the options of hand to hand combat or lethal force when dealing with an offender in a violent situation. Even though injury from a taser device is a possible result to an offender, law enforcement will likely continue using them as a deterrent to lethal force methods. Reports from law enforcement and correctional agencies nationwide and overseas show a reduction in injuries, lawsuits and deaths to offenders by 20% or more in all areas. Most law enforcement officers who have the technology are reportedly happy to use it when situations call for it. With the mounting evidence produced by law enforcement agencies showing their continued training and improvements, we can bet that taser use by law enforcement agencies will be more common than other methods used in the past to ensure the safety of all those involved.



Works Cited:

“Air TASER Gun M18 Series”, Lau International, LLC, Copyright 2002-2007, http://www.beststungun.com/, April 21, 2007.

Bruce, Brian A., “Six Month Taser Study”, July 5, 2005, Intra-Divisional Memo addressed to James G. Jackson, Chief of Police, Orange County, FL. April 21, 2007.

“Facts about Tasers: Saving Lives Everyday”, TASER International, Inc., Copyright 2005. http://www.taser.com/, April 21, 2007.

Johnson, Kevin, “Federal bureaus reject stun guns”, USA Today, March 17, 2005. Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, April 21, 2007.

“Saving Lives: Testimonials”, TASER International, Inc., Copyright 2005. http://www.taser.com/, April 21, 2007.

“TASER Non-Lethal Systems: Reducing Injuries and Saving Lives”, Executive Summary, TASER International, Inc., Copyright 2005.

Tuttle, Steve. “TASER Technology is Safe and Effective Based on Law Enforcement and Medical Science Experts”, Press Release: November 30, 2004, TASER International, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ.

Tuttle, Steve. “University Study Confirms TASER Technology Reduces Injuries and Litigation Costs”, Press Release: December 10, 2004, TASER International, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ.

Employment History

ALEXIS WAFSTET

425-263-7120

E-mail: greenvenus11@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: Use my 10+ years Administrative and Managerial skills combined with my developing knowledge in the Criminal Justice System.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS:
Supervision
Articulate
Problem Solving
Financial reporting
Written Communication
Time Management
Property Location
Handle stressful deadlines
Efficient and Organized
Staff Recruitment
Prioritizing
Research Experience
Cash Handling
Multi-tasking
Detail oriented
Marketing and Advertising
Team Player
Computers

QUALIFICATIONS:
Ø 10+ years office experience performed with expertise and efficiency
Ø 5 years Office Manager experience supervising 3 Administrative Assistants
Ø 6 years personal Real Estate Assistant experience for 7 Real Estate Agents
Ø 6 years Commercial Property Management experience
Ø Financial reporting annually for business owners, employees and IRS
Ø Provided excellent customer service including written and verbal communication
Ø Highly organized and efficient time management and prioritizing
Ø Prepared reports and financial proposals with a high degree of accuracy
and efficiency
Ø Highly skilled in MS Office applications for word processing, spreadsheet development and database management
Ø Highly skilled in use of Internet for communication and research
Ø Highly effective team player, coordinate and work well with others
Ø Entrusted with daily banking functions for general office, property management and business owners including preparation of deposits and delivering to multiple financial institutions
Ø Eager to learn new things and ability to do so quickly and efficiently
Ø Notary Public in and for the State of Washington

WORK HISTORY:
Library Page ~ City of Everett/Public Library, Everett, WA
Intern/Volunteer ~ ITT Technical Institute/DOC, Everett, WA
Office Manager ~ America’s Choice Real Estate, Lynnwood, WA
Administrative Assistant ~ ERA Metropolitan Real Estate, Everett, WA
Administrative Assistant ~ Windermere Real Estate/Oak Tree, Seattle, WA

EDUCATION:
Criminal Justice (Currently Enrolled) ITT Technical Institute, Everett, WA
Associates Degree December 2008/Bachelor’s Degree September 2010

Loyola Sacred Heart High School, Missoula, MT Graduated 1993