Taser sales to public worry officers

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting...

Taser sales to public worry officers
A civilian model of the stun gun, unveiled last fall, is very similar to the version used by law agencies.

TAMPA - Tasers, the powerful and controversial stun guns used by thousands of police agencies, are stirring debate yet again.

Manufacturer Taser International is touting a new compact, lightweight version - this one for sale to the public.

The new model's debut comes as Taser International faces questions about the safety of the weapons, even in the hands of trained police officers. And some of the very officers who support the use of Tasers by law enforcement are not so sure Joe Schmoe should carry one, too.

The civilian model unveiled last fall, which blasts targets with 50,000 volts of electricity instead of bullets, is remarkably similar to the version carried by agencies including the Tampa Police Department. But the civilian version shoots for up to 30 seconds straight, while the police model shoots only five seconds at a time.

You know I've been critical of law enforcement's use of tasers on juveniles, especially the six year old in Miami. Maybe it's time to rethink my position. We may be missing out on one of the great disciplinary tool of the 21st century, perfect for parents and teachers.