Police Get 10 TASER Stun Guns

"Although Tasers are becoming increasingly controversial nationwide, Walla Walla's Capt. Terry Heisey is a staunch supporter. 'This reduces injuries for officers and the public,' he said." - Read the story at Police Get 10 Tasers - Union Bulletin

What are Tasers?

"They are hand-held weapons that deliver a jolt of electricity - up to 50,000 volts - from up to 6.5 metres away. The shot can penetrate up to five centimetres of clothing.

It stuns the target by causing an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue. He/she is immobilized and falls to the ground - regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus.

TASER stands for Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle, from the Tom Swift series of children's novels written in the early 20th century, including Tom Swift and his Electric Rifle. The real stars of the series of science-fiction novels were potential advances in technology."Taser FAQ - resource

What are the benefits of stun guns?

Tasers allow police officers to subdue violent individuals without killing them. A police officer can "take down" a threatening suspect without worrying that a stray bullet might kill or injure an innocent bystander.

There are arguments that the Tasers may have caused some deaths, but that is suggested to have other complications involved and could not be tied specifically to the Tasers.

Taser manufacturer claims that hundreds of thousands of officers have volunteered to be tased without any deaths.