Don’t Tase Me, Bro!

It was the buzz heard nationwide, while also creating quite a buzz of its own. Prior to the recent media frenzy surrounding the UCLA library and University of Florida tasing incidents, tasers had been a relatively clandestine weapon: you heard stories about them, but you never really thought of them as standard equipment; they were something of an electric ray gun. Lately, however, it seems like everyone has something to say about these devices, from knowledgeable company executives to college kids who couldn’t even describe a taser. The devices are practical and useful, they are safe when wielded properly, and provide an effective alternative to the more prehistoric methods in use today. Tasers are a perfectly legitimate law enforcement tool, provided they are implemented responsibly.

Contrary to popular belief, “taser” is not a weapon, it the brand name of an electroshock weapons producer- one which has gained such a large portion of its market that its name has become synonymous with its product. This is known as a genericized trademark; other examples include referring to cola as Coke, tissues as Kleenex, or adhesive bandages as Band-Aids. T.A.S.E.R. is in fact an acronym, which stands for Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle. It was invented in the 1970s by Jack Cover as a way of reducing firearm deaths (Taser). Clearly, by introducing a nonlethal alternative to opening fire, police would be able to apprehend many suspects in situations where there would be no option but to shoot and possibly kill. This would decrease not only crime but also the number of deaths resulting from shots fired. However, this weapon is still very powerful, and must be treated with the same respect as a lethal one. For this reason, law enforcement agencies require a minimum of 60 hours of firearms training, with at least 5 hours of Taser-specific training, and annual recertification (USGAO).

This training acknowledges that Taser use is only acceptable when appropriate, and like any tool, can be abused. This problem is addressed via voluntary exposure, because while it is easy to pull the trigger, it is even easier to underestimate the actual effect it is having on its target. The majority of law enforcement agencies employing electroshock weapons require some sort of physical demonstration in order to better illustrate the power of the device. Furthermore, all members of TASER International senior management have been voluntarily exposed to their product (Taser). It has been shown to be much less brutal than blunt force, when used properly. Whereas a knight stick can inflict bruises and break bones, a Taser incapacitates its target and causes momentary pain, but no lasting injury. (Again, this is if the weapon is not abused.)