Citation

Sprague O. Policing (Oxford) 2007; 1(3): 309-315.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/police/pam050

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This would appear to be the most appropriate arena to dispel a common misconception about Amnesty International's viewpoint on the deployment of Tasers. Amnesty International is not opposed to deployment of Tasers as an alternative to lethal force, nor does it seek a total ban on the device. However, Amnesty International is particularly concerned by the widespread deployment of a potentially lethal electro-shock weapon. That is when they are not restricted to deployment only the highest level of the force continuum, i.e. just below the point at which lethal force would be used. It should also be made clear here that the use of a Taser is clearly preferable to the deployment of a firearm as an alternative to lethal force.

At this juncture, it is also important to state that the usage of the term Taser weapons in this article is in reference to the use of generic electro-shock dart firing devices by law enforcement officials.

Language: en