Police Retrain with TASER Devices

The electroshock device, known familiarly by its TASER device brand name, has recently received a number of negative reports in the press; while many people believe those reports about the self defense device’s reputation is justified.

In 2008, Amnesty International urged police departments to stop employing the stunning tools or to limit their use to only life threatening circumstances. However, a study into the deaths after a TASER device had been utilized done by the National Institute of Justice, found that there was no conclusive evidence to indicate a high level of death or injury was the result of the weapon.

Police on the other hand believe that these devices are not as harmful as people believe them to be. While they have certainly experienced a number of setbacks over the years, officers who work with them could not imagine not having them.

Not only has the presence of a TASER weapon prevented situations from escalating, but it has also saved the lives of countless individuals.

In 2003, Plainfield police first introduced the electronic devices, and now most of the department carries them, including the patrol force, which accounts for 90 percent.

On average, each year Plainfield police employ their self defense device nine times, and officers who utilize the device are required to undergo recertification classes annually. Furthermore, each officer who has one of these tools on the belt will know what it feels like to be hit by one, as it is a department requirement to know first hand before the authorization to carry it is granted.

While each officer is aware of the pain factor involved, they explain that the use of your vocal cords is still available; all that you lose is the feeling in your body. As a result of this, officers believe that because there is a pain factor involved, it doesn’t make the device deadly.

Generally, the most the TASER delivers to its targeted suspects are minor scratches where the projected probes latch on to the skin. Yet, when someone is subdued by these tools Plainfield police always call an ambulance for the person targeted to get checked out.

Not only that, but photos are taken to capture any injuries a person has sustained after being hit with the device.

The electronic device that so many officers have come to rely on is extremely effective at neutralizing threats. And the nine times that the device has been used in the Plainfield Police Department could have potentially delivered different results if the device wasn’t around to help.