Taeser usage up, lightsabers in the post...

Figures released by the Home Office today have shown an increase in the use of Taesers by police officers, detailing that between September 1st 2007 and February 29th 2008, Taesers were used a total of 252 times (236 of which were in the last three months). Of this there were actually only 31 incidents which required that Taesers were fired off - showing that the simple act of drawing a Taeser is enough for police to deter the majority of offenders.

Advocates of Taeser technology argue that the devices allow police to neutralise offenders without causing them permanent injury or inconvenience (such as being dead). Those against the gadgets argue that it bloody hurts.

Ten UK police forces took part in the national Taeser trials, which required that officers were fully trained in Taeser useage and followed the strict guidelines set out by the Association of Police Officers (ACPO). Although this means that we can finally take comfort in knowing that they haven't been handing them out with the doggy bag's at the policemen's ball, it may also suggest that the usage of the devices is to become more widespread...

If you'd like to update your Taser vocabulary so that you can be down with the kids, the following words may win you social prestige and veneration:

Discharge: Refers to the barbs being fired, as in the Taeser is fired and shoots out electricity.

Taeser 'Use': means that the Taeser has been 'used' for something but not discharged. For example, perhaps a red light was shone in an offenders eye to act as a deterrent. There have been reports of the devices being 'used' for more practical reasons, such as doorstops, beer mats and shoe horns.

A comprehensive list of Taeser related figures can be viewed here. Expect ray guns and lightsabers at some stage in the near future..

Written by Oli Anderson on 13 May 2008 3:34 PM. Permalink