While the weapons are frequently well received by police departments, they are not without their critics. Amnesty International has called on agencies to stop using them, saying police are required to use only as much force as necessary to subdue a suspect. And the effects of the high-voltage shocks are still being studied. Last month, a South Carolina man died after being shot with a stun gun. An autopsy determined the shock was the "last straw" for a man with a host of medical problems. Also last month, a Denver man died after being shocked, though an autopsy has not determined what killed him. The Arizona Republic recently reported that at least six deaths have been linked to stun guns.

"We're going to provide them the proper training and monitor their use closely," O'Leary said.

http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2250118


From:
Aftermath News
Top Stories - September 7th, 2004