Taser Maker Issues New Safety Warnings

Scott Kappes

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Taser International has issued new warning to police agencies throughout the nation to not shoot at the suspect’s chest. The company said that striking a suspect in the chest can in extremely rare instances poses a risk of an adverse cardiac event.

This is the first time that Taser has ever admitted that there may be any risk of cardiac arrest associated with the use of its 50,0000-volt stun gun.

Officials from Taser were quick to point out that the bulletin does in no way state that Tasers can cause cardiac arrest, but rather advises law enforcement authorities that controversy can be avoided if officers aim for other areas of the body.

Over the past several years the safety of Tasers has been questioned and numerous critics claim that the devices are much more dangerous than the manufacturer has lead people to believe.

Earlier this year a 27-year-old Texas City man died from cardiac arrest after being tazed by La Marque police during an altercation. Just last week the officers involved in the incident were cleared of any wrongdoing by a Galveston County grand Jury.

This will likely continue to be a hot topic in the years to come with strong convictions guiding each side of the issue.