Taser technology: medical, legal, ethical & social implications of introduction of taser gun in India.

ABSTRACT

A person struck by a taser gun experiences stimulation of his sensory and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contractions. This may lead to physiological changes similar to a moderate intensity exercise. The mechanism of action of Taser gun is Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD) technology. Though Tasers are considerably safe, some incidents of injury and deaths have been reported. The primary cause of such deaths is found to be influenced by some underlying pathology or some external factor, rather than Taser itself. Recent introduction Taser gun as weapon in Indian police has raised various medico legal, social and ethical issues regarding the safety of using taser guns. In this article we have reviewed all the medical, Legal, Ethical and Social aspects of introduction of taser gun in India as weapon. It has been concluded that Taser is a proportionate, low risk weapon can be used to resolving incidents where the public or officers face severe violence or the threat of such violence which cannot safely be dealt with by other means.