Taser News

TASER-Related Deaths Hit Triple-Digits as Manufacturer (TASR) Grossly Exaggerates the Number of Lives Saved By TASERs

(Washington, DC)-Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) released today a document announcing that TASER-related deaths in the United States and Canada have hit triple digits growing from 74 in November 2004 to 103. The new number covers June 2001 to March 2005. Additionally, AIUSA presented evidence proving that Taser International, Inc., has been misleading the public and law enforcement about the number of lives allegedly saved by TASERs. AIUSA admits that lives have undoubtedly been saved by TASERs and welcomes any news that there has been a decrease in fatal shootings by law enforcement, but a review of the cases on Taser's Website actually provided more evidence to support Amnesty International's conclusion that there is widespread abuse of TASERs that, in some cases, constitutes ill-treatment and torture.

"AIUSA supports the development of non-lethal alternatives to firearms, and we believe that police officers should have every tool necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Dr. William F. Schulz, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA. "However, it has been difficult to engage in an honest debate about TASER usage when the truth seems to be as elusive as an independent, comprehensive medical study supporting claims that TASERs are generally safe."

In May 2004, Taser International Inc., spokesman Steve Tuttle made a frighteningly accurate prediction when he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the number of TASER-related deaths "will continue to increase with the number of devices we sell." Of the 103 TASER-related deaths documented by Amnesty International, 65 percent of them occurred during the last 15 months. If the current trend continues-noting that TASER-related deaths appear to spike between May and August-this year is on track to be a record-breaking year. In the first three months of 2005, there have already been twice as many TASER-related deaths (13) as there were during the same period in 2004 (six), and as many as there were all year in 2002 (13). The analysis provides a state-by-state breakdown of the deaths, which occurred in 25 states and Canada.

The updated information flags a disturbing pattern that parallels the alarming increase in deaths. Amnesty cites that the weapons have been mentioned 17 times (out of 103) by medical examiners who have said that the TASER played a role, could not be ruled out, or could not determine the exact role the TASER played. Now, according to the information released by Amnesty International, TASERs have been referenced frequently enough that they are the fourth most commonly listed factor in TASER-related deaths. Drug intoxication is first, pre-existing heart conditions second, and excited delirium is third.

In its November 2004 report on TASER use in the United States and Canada, Amnesty International cited pre-existing heart conditions as a possible contributing factor in TASER-related deaths. The U.S. Department of Defense and the English, Canadian, and Australian governments have also cited the potential vulnerability of individuals with pre-existing heart conditions to TASER shocks as an area in which further studies are needed. Amnesty International's information points out that all but one of the deaths were among men with an average age of 37. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, pre-existing heart conditions are the second leading cause of death for men age 25-44, and the American Heart Association says that approximately one in three men in the United States is currently living with a pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

"The prevalence of pre-existing heart conditions in the population that has died after being shocked with a TASER is an example of why Amnesty International has called for the suspended use of TASERs by law enforcement," said Gerald LeMelle,