TASER Use is Contested as Indiscriminate

Most people will argue that using a TASER on an aggressive individual who is opposing the police is better than shooting them. However, an increasing number of people are objecting to the use of TASERs in any circumstance.

After an incident in South Carolina when a 75-year-old woman was tased after she became distraught about leaving a nursing home where her sick friend was residing, the debate became more heated.

Are TASERs being used appropriately?
Another situation arose in Miami, FL when police used a TASER on a 12-year-old who was caught cutting school. The public outcry after that incident caught the local Police Chief by surprise.

Citing the use of a TASER to subdue violent offenders on a number of occasions without injury to his officers, the Police Chief stated his support of the weapon. Opponents raise concerns over appropriate training of officers and worry that with a general legal trend towards loosening laws against the use of TASERs that more people will be indiscriminately “tased.”

Of primary concern is the fact that in many states, any citizen can purchase a TASER for personal protection. While police officers must undergo some form of training before being allowed to carry the weapon, those who acquire their weapons online have no such requirement.

Owning a TASER is a Responsibility
It is likely that, in the not too distant future, we will start seeing changes in the laws regarding TASER ownership if the current trend towards regulating everything continues. Until that time, TASER ownership should be considered a serious responsibility.

Owners should make sure that they are educated in the use of their weapon, and understand when and where it is appropriate to do so. A highly effective self defense weapon, the TASER is non-lethal and easy to manage making it appropriate for anyone who wants to feel safer no matter where they are.