The question must be why? Why has the use of Tasers increased so dramatically in Massachusetts in four year? The Boston Herald has reported that in just four years police in Massachusetts have doubled the use of Tasers on people. Police chiefs in Massachusetts must report the use of Tasers with the state. Out of the 195 cities and towns that use Tasers in Massachusetts, New Bedford, Barnstable. Lawrence, Brockton and Fall River are the communities in Massachusetts that used Tasers the most. Over 3300 Tasers are used by police officers in Massachusetts. In 2014 police officers either used or warned a suspect 980 times up from 520 times in 2011.
Tasers are can shock a suspect with over 50,000 volts of electricity. Although called less than lethal deaths have occurred after using Tasers. At least two deaths have been associated with Taser use in Massachusetts.
While police argue that there is no disadvantages to carrying Tasers and that they are safer than tradition police weapons. While police in Boston are not equipped with Tasers, Boston police are considering a pilot program to arm the SWAT team members with Tasers. Only a few Massachusetts State troopers also carry Tasers with only two uses in the last three years.
Tasers cost almost three times as much as body cameras which many police departments have been resistant in implementing.
Patrick Donovan is a Massachusetts criminal attorney. Attorney Donovan has appeared in over fifty Massachusetts courts where he has defended people against felony and misdemeanor crimes. Attorney Donovan is also a former prosecutor. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime call today for a free consultation.
