[muawiyah]

Still there is a risk of death. Tasers do not constitute the use of non-lethal force.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Drinking too much water poses a risk of death. So does a spray from a high pressure hose. That does not make a squirt gun a non-lethal weapon.

O.K. — the above was facetious (although true).

No weapon, including the Taser, should be over-used, or used carelessly.

Seriously now, consider the alternatives to the Taser:

1. Shoot the suspect with a gun — almost certainly lethal.

2. Pepper spray — sometimes (rarely) lethal — not as effective at stopping a determined violent criminal — could be fatal to the LEO, or to bystanders.

3. Fisticuffs, wrestling, or other bare-hand martial arts — places the LEO (and bystanders) in immediate danger — could be fatal to LEO or suspect — often not effective at subduing or capturing the suspect.

4. Billy club, bat, or similar weapon — could be fatal — high chance of brain injury — places LEO and bystanders in danger.

5. Ignore the situation — life and property of innocent people put at great risk. People want LEO to protect them & apprehend suspects with appropriate means. We also want to reduce risk to LEO. They (LEO) need a variety of tools to do their job safely and effectively. On balance, it seems to me that the Taser has a place in the LEO toolbox.