Tasers in schools sparks controversy
Lori Giguere
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: News
King Downing, of the ACLU, claims that Tasers are being used for behavioral problems not crimes.
However, Sgt. Steve Baum of the Newark, Ohio Police Department supports the use of Tasers and feels it gives officers more options, "rather than making [students], hitting them or hitting them with a night stick."
An Amnesty International report earlier this year revealed that between June 2001 and March 2005 Tasers accounted for 103 deaths.
The Taser sends 50,000 volts of electricity through the body, temporarily causing the muscles to contract and immobilize the target. According to Taser International, the Taser is safe to use on children and adults. Taser International tested the voltage on pigs ranging from 66 to 257 lbs.
In an interview with CNN last year, Rick Smith, CEO of Taser International defended his product as a safe alternative for police. "There's no cumulative effect of electricity. It doesn't stay in the body. Each pulse transverses through the body. It's out and it's gone."
Ben Nester, a Plymouth State Criminal Justice Major, feels that Tasers are a good alternative for police. "In general, it's good for police protection, as long as they are properly trained on how to use them."
However, Nester is not as enthusiastic as some officials about the use of Tasers on adolescents and teens. "I don't think it's the best strategy." Nester continues, "but if there is nothing else that can be done for the officer's protection, it's a last resort."
However, Sgt. Steve Baum of the Newark, Ohio Police Department supports the use of Tasers and feels it gives officers more options, "rather than making [students], hitting them or hitting them with a night stick."
An Amnesty International report earlier this year revealed that between June 2001 and March 2005 Tasers accounted for 103 deaths.
The Taser sends 50,000 volts of electricity through the body, temporarily causing the muscles to contract and immobilize the target. According to Taser International, the Taser is safe to use on children and adults. Taser International tested the voltage on pigs ranging from 66 to 257 lbs.
In an interview with CNN last year, Rick Smith, CEO of Taser International defended his product as a safe alternative for police. "There's no cumulative effect of electricity. It doesn't stay in the body. Each pulse transverses through the body. It's out and it's gone."
Ben Nester, a Plymouth State Criminal Justice Major, feels that Tasers are a good alternative for police. "In general, it's good for police protection, as long as they are properly trained on how to use them."
However, Nester is not as enthusiastic as some officials about the use of Tasers on adolescents and teens. "I don't think it's the best strategy." Nester continues, "but if there is nothing else that can be done for the officer's protection, it's a last resort."