Thoughts on Tasers

I am not a big fan of tasers.

There are two reasons.

First, I don't think we fully comprehend the strength of tasers. They are intended only to stun. But there have been many instances when people have died after they have been administered.

Second, I don't think the proper protocols have been put in place as to when to and when not to use a taser. Case in point: that fan who ran out onto the field at Citizens Bank Park earlier this week. The Philadelphia PD are lucky the kid isn't dead. There was no reason to tase him. Clearly, it was just some dumb schmuck who ran out onto the field. He presented a threat to no one. All he did was delay the game momentarily. If the police officer had not used the taser the kid would have been tackled thirty seconds later anyway.

Now, you could have made a far more convincing case for using a taser on those two fans who attacked former Kansas City Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago back in 2002. But then again the Royals rushed the field to his defense and the perpetrators were quickly subdued. So no taser was required.

If a taser has to be used I would rather it be used on someone behaving violently rather than merely running away. But I would just as soon see a recall and have the manufacturers turn down the voltage.