thehoodedsmack
February 19th, 2008, 09:09 PM
So I did this for a feature article in my Writers Craft class. Advice would be cool. Thanks in advance.
~Smack
Don’t Tase Me, Bro!
A look at the controversial use of tasers in law enforcement
Smack
February 20, 2008
I’d like to open this article with a little explanation as to the title. Perhaps you’ve heard these words before, or if you haven’t, allow me to explain. The phrase “Don’t tase me, bro!” was first uttered by University of Florida student Andrew Meyer, at a campus talk with Senator John Kerry, the former Presidential candidate. Meyer, 21, who barged into the discussion rather loudly, and by all means disrespectfully, began to ask rather outlandish questions of the Senator, who kindly offered to answer them. But by this point, police officers had started to get involved. Attempting to remove Meyer from the hall where the talk was being held, the officers began violently restraining him, and even as he offered to leave on his own will, more officers held him down. It was around this point that one police officer pulled out a taser, or stun-gun; essentially a handheld pistol designed to shoot projectiles which embed themselves in a person’s skin, and then release a painful, temporarily crippling electric shock into their body. Meyer then spoke the now famous line “Don’t tase me, bro! Don’t tase me!”, and was held down, while the taser was used to render him harmless. The quote has since become something of an internet phenomenon, with multiple videos of the tasering on popular sites such as YouTube, and even “Don’t tase me, bro!” merchandise. While Meyer was not seriously hurt, and had no lasting injuries, the incident has raised questions on whether or not tasers belong in our police forces, and when the use of them begins to infringe on our rights, crossing over into police brutality. In this article, I’d like to look at the varied opinions surrounding taser use, and if you’d be so kind, continue reading, and use this article as a basis for your own opinion, on what is becoming a very important issue in the way we police our communities.
Since we are Canadian citizens, I’d like to focus mainly on the opinions of Canadians. Unfortunately, many Canadians, and worldwide citizens for that matter, are under the impression that tasers are meant to replace firearms; that they are safe, and will not cause lasting harm. This is of course, incorrect. Tasers are by no means a replacement. In a recent interview, Cst. Adam Cheadle, the Use of Force Coordinator of the Winnipeg Police Service stated that: "Tasers are not meant to replace firearms,... The Taser is on the same playing field as a baton or [pepper] spray." This theory that tasers are as harmless (relative to a firearm) as a baton or pepper spray may be cause for the misuse of the tools by law enforcement officers. However, as history has shown us, the lethality of tasers is a real issue. Robert Dziekanski was the victim of a tragic misuse of tasers in mid October, 2007. Dziekanski was a Polish immigrant to Canada, who did not speak English. After hours of confusion, lost inside Vancouver Airport, he began acting irritated, and RCMP officers were called in. The officers were quick to use tasers on the man. In fact, tasers were used on Dziekanski within 25 seconds of his confrontation with police. Dziekanski went into cardiac arrest shortly after, and was pronounced dead in the airport. I use the example of Dziekanski because it shows us that even Canada is not immune to the incompetence of police, which we usually associate quite stereotypically with out southern neighbours.
As far as statistics go, the Canadian Press released finding that in cities that have recently added tasers to their police forces, the number of shootings stays fairly consistent, while tasers are being used “exponentially more often.” In relation to the death of Robert Dziekanski, Amnesty International has stated that tasers have been responsible in over 100 deaths since their conception approximately 35 years ago. Police officers and related law enforcement officials are generally fond of the technology, seeing as despite its possible deadliness, it will always remain the safest alternative to firearms. The problem with taser safety lies with the appropriate training. While police officers receive some of the best training in handling all their equipment, tasers have made their way into the hands of everyday consumers. People like Dana Shafman, a woman who has popularized “taser parties”, the modern day equivalent to the saleswomen of Tupperware parties, gathering fellow women in a living room setting, arming them with tasers, and letting them take turns shooting at metallic targets, getting them used to the products, which come in a variety of friendly colours. The idea behind this being that in the dangerous world we live in today, people need protection; and what better protection than your pretty-in-pink taser. Now the problem shifts to keeping something that looks like an electric razor out of your kid’s hands. As far as public opinion is concerned, until people hear of the deaths caused by tasers, there is generally nothing but support for the use of them. However, once cases like Robert Dziekanski’s are brought up, some find that their opinion quickly shifts. In addition to that, the further inquiry into what should happen if we were not to use tasers causes some to yet again, shift their opinion. The whole matter is extremely controversial, and most of the time, the public has little say in how matters concerning tasers are handled. On that note, however, after the Dziekanski incident, the province of British Columbia has launched a public inquiry into whether or not the people feel tasers should continue to be used. If the results prove to be useful, other provinces may poll their citizens, which will finally shed light on what people truly think of taser use.
When NASA scientist Jack Cover created the taser under the ideals of President Lyndon Johnson, the invention rested in obscurity for the better part of a few decades. Now, back and exploding onto the scenes, many people don’t know what to think of this possibly dangerous, yet always effective debilitating tool. Do the pros always outweigh the cons when upholding justice is concerned? What can be done to make these devices safer? Is it right for the average Joe to own one of these dangerous items? As we progress as a society concerned for our safety, these questions will have to be answered. And when they do, your opinion will matter more than you think. Form one, make it educated, and stick to it, so that one day you won’t be screaming: “Don’t tase me, bro!”
~Smack
Don’t Tase Me, Bro!
A look at the controversial use of tasers in law enforcement
Smack
February 20, 2008
I’d like to open this article with a little explanation as to the title. Perhaps you’ve heard these words before, or if you haven’t, allow me to explain. The phrase “Don’t tase me, bro!” was first uttered by University of Florida student Andrew Meyer, at a campus talk with Senator John Kerry, the former Presidential candidate. Meyer, 21, who barged into the discussion rather loudly, and by all means disrespectfully, began to ask rather outlandish questions of the Senator, who kindly offered to answer them. But by this point, police officers had started to get involved. Attempting to remove Meyer from the hall where the talk was being held, the officers began violently restraining him, and even as he offered to leave on his own will, more officers held him down. It was around this point that one police officer pulled out a taser, or stun-gun; essentially a handheld pistol designed to shoot projectiles which embed themselves in a person’s skin, and then release a painful, temporarily crippling electric shock into their body. Meyer then spoke the now famous line “Don’t tase me, bro! Don’t tase me!”, and was held down, while the taser was used to render him harmless. The quote has since become something of an internet phenomenon, with multiple videos of the tasering on popular sites such as YouTube, and even “Don’t tase me, bro!” merchandise. While Meyer was not seriously hurt, and had no lasting injuries, the incident has raised questions on whether or not tasers belong in our police forces, and when the use of them begins to infringe on our rights, crossing over into police brutality. In this article, I’d like to look at the varied opinions surrounding taser use, and if you’d be so kind, continue reading, and use this article as a basis for your own opinion, on what is becoming a very important issue in the way we police our communities.
Since we are Canadian citizens, I’d like to focus mainly on the opinions of Canadians. Unfortunately, many Canadians, and worldwide citizens for that matter, are under the impression that tasers are meant to replace firearms; that they are safe, and will not cause lasting harm. This is of course, incorrect. Tasers are by no means a replacement. In a recent interview, Cst. Adam Cheadle, the Use of Force Coordinator of the Winnipeg Police Service stated that: "Tasers are not meant to replace firearms,... The Taser is on the same playing field as a baton or [pepper] spray." This theory that tasers are as harmless (relative to a firearm) as a baton or pepper spray may be cause for the misuse of the tools by law enforcement officers. However, as history has shown us, the lethality of tasers is a real issue. Robert Dziekanski was the victim of a tragic misuse of tasers in mid October, 2007. Dziekanski was a Polish immigrant to Canada, who did not speak English. After hours of confusion, lost inside Vancouver Airport, he began acting irritated, and RCMP officers were called in. The officers were quick to use tasers on the man. In fact, tasers were used on Dziekanski within 25 seconds of his confrontation with police. Dziekanski went into cardiac arrest shortly after, and was pronounced dead in the airport. I use the example of Dziekanski because it shows us that even Canada is not immune to the incompetence of police, which we usually associate quite stereotypically with out southern neighbours.
As far as statistics go, the Canadian Press released finding that in cities that have recently added tasers to their police forces, the number of shootings stays fairly consistent, while tasers are being used “exponentially more often.” In relation to the death of Robert Dziekanski, Amnesty International has stated that tasers have been responsible in over 100 deaths since their conception approximately 35 years ago. Police officers and related law enforcement officials are generally fond of the technology, seeing as despite its possible deadliness, it will always remain the safest alternative to firearms. The problem with taser safety lies with the appropriate training. While police officers receive some of the best training in handling all their equipment, tasers have made their way into the hands of everyday consumers. People like Dana Shafman, a woman who has popularized “taser parties”, the modern day equivalent to the saleswomen of Tupperware parties, gathering fellow women in a living room setting, arming them with tasers, and letting them take turns shooting at metallic targets, getting them used to the products, which come in a variety of friendly colours. The idea behind this being that in the dangerous world we live in today, people need protection; and what better protection than your pretty-in-pink taser. Now the problem shifts to keeping something that looks like an electric razor out of your kid’s hands. As far as public opinion is concerned, until people hear of the deaths caused by tasers, there is generally nothing but support for the use of them. However, once cases like Robert Dziekanski’s are brought up, some find that their opinion quickly shifts. In addition to that, the further inquiry into what should happen if we were not to use tasers causes some to yet again, shift their opinion. The whole matter is extremely controversial, and most of the time, the public has little say in how matters concerning tasers are handled. On that note, however, after the Dziekanski incident, the province of British Columbia has launched a public inquiry into whether or not the people feel tasers should continue to be used. If the results prove to be useful, other provinces may poll their citizens, which will finally shed light on what people truly think of taser use.
When NASA scientist Jack Cover created the taser under the ideals of President Lyndon Johnson, the invention rested in obscurity for the better part of a few decades. Now, back and exploding onto the scenes, many people don’t know what to think of this possibly dangerous, yet always effective debilitating tool. Do the pros always outweigh the cons when upholding justice is concerned? What can be done to make these devices safer? Is it right for the average Joe to own one of these dangerous items? As we progress as a society concerned for our safety, these questions will have to be answered. And when they do, your opinion will matter more than you think. Form one, make it educated, and stick to it, so that one day you won’t be screaming: “Don’t tase me, bro!”