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.
Envision the “child” as 3 years old.
Oh sure, it’s all about risk management. If you do something enough eventually someone will get hurt no matter what they’re doing. Never a mention of the thousanda and thousands of of people who have been on the receiving end of the probes and lived to tell about it. How many times have you toasted your english muffin in the shower and gotten away with it?....8>)