Controversy still surrounds the use of Taser stun guns by police officers. While the American Civil Liberties Union and some other human rights groups call for more oversight regarding the use of the arguably non-lethal weapons, according to the Chicago Tribune, police officers and their representative organizations argue that they are safe and effective.
Nevertheless, the Chicago Police Department has decided to significantly increase the deployment of Tasers by equipping each and every squad car with one. Police officials cited by the Tribune said they need a more effective option than batons and guns for subduing "uncooperative" suspects.
According to the rules of engagement for Tasers, police may use the weapon if they are under attack or if a suspect is fleeing or otherwise resisting arrest. A total of 166 people were tasered in Chicago in 2008, which jumped to 228 in 2009.
The department currently has 280 Tasers and is planning to train 3,000 officers on how to use the stun gun, which fires a charge of electricity and temporarily immobilizes the subject, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The same article pointed out that the department's announcement to increase the use of Tasers came just hours after a suburban man died shortly after being tasered by police.
Chicago police Sat. Mike Patricio still defended the planned expansion of Taser deployment when asked about the death of Junes Ingles:
"We've done a lot of homework on this. This is a very effective tool."
But is it too effective, as opponents claim?
The Tribune article asks the same question, citing dozens of lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals who allegedly were killed by the weapons. The article also mentioned the death of Ingles, reporting that his autopsy was inconclusive as to actual cause of death. If you have any questions about your rights with regards to an interaction with police, you may want to consult a Chicago criminal attorney.
Related Resources:
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Taser Lawsuit Highlights Risks of Taser Deaths (FindLaw's Injured Blog)
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Zapping Taser: The Lawsuits (Center for Investigative Reporting)
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Chicago Criminal Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
