Threat of Utilizing a TASER is Effective

In the two and a half years that Lawrence police have carried their TASER devices around with them while on duty they have become a familiar sight to local suspects. And as a result, they generally try to avoid the shock from one.

For the most case these self defense tools don’t actually have to leave an officer’s holster. Since 2008 when the police department first received the stunning devices the weapons have only been utilized 17 times in more than 300,000 police calls.

However the deterrent effect, or the thought of actually been targeted by the metal rods, is extremely effective. In 41 instances, Lawrence police have been required to draw their TASER weapons, but didn’t employ them.

And for many of the Lawrence officers, these devices have been a huge success. While they may be another tool on an officer’s belt, the use of them is infrequent.

Roughly a fourth of the Lawrence department, or 41 officers, who carry the safety device with them have to initially go through the required training which enables them to find out how to actually employ them, in addition to understanding what it feels like to be stunned with one.

An officer who is stunned with one of these tools during their training will understand what their suspect is experiencing when they target someone. TASER International, the manufacturer explains that the voltage on these tools is much less than Christmas tree lights or even a wall socket.

And yet, while these self defense tools are employed in over 14,000 police departments across the globe, that doesn’t mean they don’t come without their criticisms. In July, a man died after an officer utilized a TASER device on him three times. However, it wasn’t until a preliminary autopsy report showed the man had cocaine in his system, in addition to an enlarged heart, that the use of the stunning device wasn’t the cause of his death.

In order to stop potential medical problems with the devices, Lawrence police are required to follow the strict safety measures put in place. Each time an officer has used the stunning device on a suspect, that individual is taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. But, since Lawrence police started using the devices there have been no serious injuries, while the positives of using the tool have far outweighed the negatives.