The Myth Of Taser Deaths

The Myth Of Taser Deaths

Tasers (a brand of stun gun) used by police have been wrongly blamed for some high profile deaths in recent years. However, subsequent investigations have shown that the deaths were mainly caused by outside influences and not the stun gun itself. Most of the individuals who died after contact with a stun gun were under the influence of mind-altering drugs like cocaine. According to research, the presence of cocaine in the bloodstream increases the “shock” from a stun gun by 50 to 100 percent.

Source: Ten researchers led by Dr D Lakkireddy from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, and reported in the August 2006 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

So, it isn’t actually the stun gun, but the presence of “illegal” drugs that was the catalyst. Without the presence of drugs in their system, they would have experienced a mild shock. The charge generated from a stun gun alone cannot cause death. Two to five milliamps simply isn’t enough amperage to cause death to a human being. However, when that amperage is increased by outside influences, the stun gun, or the user can’t be blamed.

Irish Police demand Taser Protection for every Officer

The Garda management is considering the widespread deployement of Taser guns to the Gardai (Police force of Ireland) for extra protection.

About 800 Gardaí are injured in serious assaults each year and need hospital or medical treatment and spend three days or more off work. Due to the cost of acquiring large number of Taser guns only a few of these weapons were acquired. With assaults on Gardai  – which is leading to rising compensation claims from members of the force – Garda management is considering increasing the number of Tasers available to officers.

A GRA spokesman said that they would provide an extra layer of protection and that Tasers could prove more effective than other incapacitants such as pepper spray. 

At present, the Taser weapons are only issued to trained members of the armed Emergency Response Unit, based in Dublin, and the five Regional Response Units.

If these Gardai are on leave or otherwise not available, the weapon cannot be used. The Garda are now examining different makes of Taser to see which would be the most appropriate for use here.

 link:source

Anne Arundel county lifts ban on Tasers for Residents

Anne Rundel county residents will soon be allowed to carry Tasrs. 

5 days ago the County Council decided to lift the ban on the devices. 

The County Executive Laura Newman says she will sign a bill allowing residents to carry tasers, and states a personal reason for her support of it. 

In a statement posted on Facebook... Neuman said “Tasers are a lawful option for self protection,”then added "on a personal note.... As a rape survivor, i'd like to think that having a self-protection device might save others from the trauma of a violent crime."

The County Council has voted to lift a ban on the devices for anyone over the age of 18 who passes a criminal background check. If the weapons are improperly used, violators could get up to three years in jail and up to a $3,000 fine.

"They can carry these in public, malls, restaurants, they can have one on them at all times 

to protect themselves and their family." said County Councilman Derek Fink, R-District 3, who sponsored the bill.

                                                     

source:link

Taser Cartridges

TASER X26 - 25 Foot XP(Extra Penetration) Air Cartridge-Field Use

X26 TASER 25Foot  Air Cartridge XP (Extra Penetration) Green Blast Door, Field Use

The TASER cartridge is one of the features that separate TASER products from the competition. With ranges from 15 to 35 feet (4.5 to 10.6 meters), and accuracy that can't be matched, they are the choice for law enforcement everywhere.

Unique variations for warm and cold climates, training scenarios, and tactical situations are available. The XP cartridge, ideal for colder climates, has a longer probe to penetrate thicker clothing. The 35' XP cartridge has been used with success in tactical situations where the extra distance is needed. Additionally, the TASER 21' Training cartridge uses non-conductive wires that prohibit stimulation role players from feeling the effects of TASER electronic control devices (ECDs) (to be used in conjunction with the TASER Sim Suit).

This TASER cartridge is compatible with the M26 and X26 ECDs and includes a patented Anti-Felon Identifcation System (AFID), so that each cartridge use can be traced.

TASER cartridges utilize compressed nitrogen to propel two darts to the target. This proprietry design leads to increased accuracy and consistency in field use.