Citation

Payne-James J, Sheridan B, Smith G. Br. Med. J. BMJ 2010; 340(online): c853.

Affiliation

jasonpaynejames@aol.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.c853

PMID

20176700

Abstract

Several tactical options are available to police officers facing potentially aggressive or violent people or those with acute behavioural disturbance. The less lethal options include restraint, batons, incapacitant sprays, impact rounds, and conducted energy devices such as Tasers. Although none is risk free, Tasers have attracted particular controversy, with Amnesty International identifying more than 300 deaths associated with their use in the United States. However, association is not causation, and other factors complicate the interpretation of fatal outcomes. Recommendations for research into the risks of conducted energy devices -- reporting of all incidents when the device is used and of all incidents with health consequences -- are made.

Language: en