Posted by Racer on January 23, 2008, at 9:44:48
In reply to Taser guns used on the mentally ill, posted by zazenducke on January 23, 2008, at 9:02:14
It really is horrible. I've read a number of articles about misuse and abuse of Tasers by police, and some of the stories are truly appalling.
Even the English science magazine I subscribe to -- published somewhere they're not killing all that many people with stun guns, so you wouldn't think they'd notice -- has had a few articles and even, I think, editorials about Taser abuse.
One thing I've noticed about the police officers I've known socially, most of them have a sort of pattern of quick reactions, which I guess keeps them safer on the job. They'll answer, contradict, explain, all very rapidly. I'd imagine some of the Taser misuse comes from that same instinct for rapid response. Still, more training sounds more than reasonable.
Scary thing.
poster:Racer
thread:808494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20070708/msgs/808498.html