Shocking: The Lack of Responsible Taser Policy in Minnesota

Document Date: December 14, 2011
Affiliate: ACLU of Minnesota

In July, 2006, the ACLU-MN sent out a data practices request to all Minnesota law enforcement agencies to determine what Minnesota’s policy is concerning the use of Tasers by peace officers. From that time to 2010, interns continued to contact agencies to gather responses.

This report compiles scholarly research conducted on Tasers and the impact of Taser use on the human body. Potential risks include heart arrhythmia, changes to blood chemistry affecting respiration, burns, muscle and bone injuries, seizures and pain. “Excited delirium” is a term coined as a cause of death in cases which involved Taser use, although excited delirium is not a medical term. International analysis of Tasers shows that the devices cause excruciating pain.

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