Police Use of TASERThe use of conducted energy weapons in policing has become increasingly popular since their recent introduction. TASER is considered the safest and most productive type of less-lethal force used today, with a very rapid recovery rate and no long-term side effects. The TASER quickly took over the brutal use of pepper spray, the brutal force of the baton and, in some cases, the firearm. However, TASER has faced bad press and negative opinions from the public. Electromuscular disruption has become a very controversial topic within society, with some describing it as extremely painful and a form of torture. The true power of the TASER has been demonstrated throughout its short history, causing physical problems, psychological problems and even death. This is becoming increasingly concerning, with TASER becoming the first resort rather than the last resort. As the TASER is carried by an ever-increasing population of police officers, other, less lethal forms may need to be considered. This essay will examine the history of TASER and analyze the pros and cons of TASER use in the police force. This essay will examine a controversial case, in which a man died at Vancouver International Airport as a direct result of multiple TASER discharges by police. I will also discuss excited delirium and how this mysterious syndrome has created a mass of discussion and disagreement. The TASER The word TASER is an acronym for Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle and can deliver 50,000 volts to a human target (Seals, 2007). The TASER was invented by John H. Cover and patented...... middle of paper ...... Facts about stun guns and their use in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/03/18/f-taser-faq.htmlCTV News. (2009, December). RCMP watchdog criticizes officers in Dziekanski case. Retrieved from http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CanadaAM/20091208/bc_dziekanski_report_091208/Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (2007). Report on conducted energy weapons and excited delirium syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/cew-ai/cew-ai-eds-sda-report-rapport-eng.htmSeals, E. (2007). Police use of Tasers: The truth is “shocking”. Golden Gate University Law Review, 38(1), 38-109Sullivan, L. (February 27, 2007). Taser implicated in excited delirium syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7622314TASER International. (nd). TASER x26. Retrieved from http://www.taser.com/products/law/Pages/TASERX26.aspx