Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON), formerly Taser Intl. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Carragher who wrote (596)	2/22/2005 6:09:49 PM
From: John Carragher	Respond to of 974

Crime Reporter POLICE in Cumbria are to be armed with electric stun guns. Firearms officers will be equipped with Taser weapons, which look like pistols but fire wires carrying electric currents, from May. The electric charge given out by the guns temporarily causes a loss of some muscle control, which leads to the target falling over or freezing on the spot. Officers would then be able to make an easier arrest. A force spokesman said the stun guns would offer police “a less lethal option” than regular guns. They are intended to provide police with another tool in their armoury, which could be used when they are confronted with someone armed with a weapon such as a knife or sword. Firearms officers would continue to use regular guns when necessary and always when dealing with someone who was themselves armed with a real gun. “It has been tested nationally to show it provides the best alternative in these situations,” said the spokesman. “Tasers will be used alongside conventional methods to provide a less lethal option. “Our chief considerations are the safety of the public, fellow officers and the armed offender themselves.” Training is due to start in Cumbria at about the end of March. The Tasers themselves cost about £350 each, but the force has yet to iron out some of the details, including how many it will get. The Taser gun uses nitrogen cartridges to fire two barbs that trail copper cable back to the weapon. The barb, when attached to the target, delivers a five-second 50,000-volt charge. Taser technology has been around for decades. Police say it has been rigorously tested for safety and the shot produces no long-term damage. In November last year, Amnesty International UK called for a public statement by the Home Office and police chiefs on the guns. It wanted assurances Tasers would only be issued to trained firearms officers. A force spokesman confirmed only officers with firearms training would use them in Cumbria. Tasers are already used by a number of police forces, including Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police.