Stun gun rule incites anger (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stun gun rule incites anger

HUMAN rights activists said they were appalled this week by Gloucestershire Constabulary's decision arm police with 50,000-volt stun guns.

The laser-sighted weapons, known as Tasers, which have been responsible for more than 100 deaths in the USA were given the green light in the county on Tuesday.

The high level current immobilises people causing them to collapse on impact.

The guns contain cartridges that project a pair of barbs which attach to the skin or clothing and interfere with the body's neuromuscular system, causing a loss of voluntary muscle control.

They also have a stun mode, which can be operated without firing barbs. Police said only authorised firearms officers will be allowed to use the weapons, which have a maximum range of about six metres.

But Amnesty International is calling for a full independent public inquiry into the safety and rules for use of Tasers.

More than 100 people have died after being 'Tasered' in the US, where they have been widely used for the last 20 years. In at least 14 cases coroners have stated that the Tasers played a role in the death.

Two weeks ago, Taser International's medical director was discovered to be an advisor to a US government-funded study on the safety of stun guns, and was subsequently removed from his position.

Carole Oosthuysen, secretary of the mid-Gloucestershire branch of Amnesty International, said she was personally "appalled" by the introduction of stun guns to the region.

Mrs Oosthuysen said: "They are a potentially lethal weapon so I have grave reservations about them. It needs proper investigation and controls."

Tasers were first trailed by UK police forces in April 2003. In September 2004, the home office announced that all firearms officers in England and Wales would be allowed to use them.

Gloucestershire's Assistant Chief Constable, Operations, Mark Polin told the SNJ: "Taser is a less lethal option available to our firearms officers while dealing with situations involving people armed with firearms and other weapons, who have access to such weapons or who pose a serious danger.

"We can reassure the public that Taser has been fully tested and inspected by the Home Office and its use in the county will be carefully monitored and supervised."