"Frankly, I think the problem stems as much from the users as the taser themselves."
Actually, I think the users are more to blame. Why did they taser him twice? In the cases where there have been video of a controversial arrest, the law enforcement people usually taser several times, often in very short order. Usually before the target can regain control of their muscles. So this is likely a training issue.
There are plenty of videos of tasers being used on Youtube. In most cases, they taser the guy once, he goes down, and they take control of him. Which is totally different from the cases where they use it like a nightstick. Whack him, if he isn't limp, then whack him some more. Which isn't how the device is supposed to be used.
I am reminded of a case in Houston some years back. It was before Lee Brown was police chief and was one of the cases that led to his hiring. An officer noticed some activity in a warehouse, after hours. He entered the warehouse and a guy with a screwdriver came at him. He drew his weapon and shot the guy, who kept coming and feel to the floor at the officer's feet. Who then continued shooting, reloading several times. If I recall correctly, there were in excess of 20 rounds expended, most of which hit the pile of hamburger at his feet.
In other words, the cop panicked. Which is probably not what you want. |
