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Are Tasers Safe?

Tasers are an example of electroshock weaponry. The electric current released by one of these hand-held devices is enough to temporarily paralyze a person's body functions for a short period of time.

  1. Benefits

    • Law enforcement officers commonly use Tasers as a method of controlling unruly suspects or criminals.

      In most states, citizens can also use Tasers for personal protection purposes. Electroshock weapons in the shape of ordinary personal items like cell phones and flashlights are available to the public.

    Dangers

    • While Tasers are typically non-lethal, there is still a chance of inflicting a shock that will result in cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. Between 2001 and 2008, Amnesty International documented approximately 334 Taser-related deaths. In addition, governments are concerned that law enforcement officers will be tempted to use electroshock weapons as a form of torture.

    Considerations

    • The use of electroshock weaponry by citizens is prohibited or restricted in Washington D.C., Hawaii, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois and Wisconsin.

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