Should Police Departments Develop Specific Training and Policies Governing Use of Multiple TASER Shocks Against Individuals Who Might Be in Vulnerable Physiological States?
Document Type
Article
Department
Politics and Economics (CGU)
Publication Date
2009
Disciplines
Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
This essay focuses on the "policing implications" stemming from the work by White and Ready (2009, this issue). More specifically, it addresses the policy guidance stating:
More research is needed to explore the relationship between mental illness, drug use (illicit or therapeutic), continued resistance, and increased risk of death. In the meantime, police departments should develop specific training and policies governing the use of multiple TASER shocks against individuals who may be in these vulnerable physiological and psychological states.
It is not the intent of this essay to critique or asses the viability of the data set or statistical methodology White and Ready (2009) used to provide this guidance. Enough significant variance in findings and resulting policy implications exists with other studies—most notably, the findings of William Bozeman, lead investigator of a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study (NIJ, 2008) for others to offer methodological criticisms.¹ For the purposes of this policy essay, we will simply assume that the research findings of the article in question are irrefutable and not subject to debate.
Rights Information
© 2009 by the American Society of Criminology
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.1111/j.1745-9133.2009.00601.x
Recommended Citation
Bunker, R. J. (2009), Should police departments develop specific training and policies governing use of multiple TASER shocks against individuals who might be in vulnerable physiological states?. Criminology & Public Policy, 8: 893–901. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-9133.2009.00601.x
