2 answers
Emmanuel
Student
Ohio City, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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why do police officers get tasered ?
why do we get tasered in police academy
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Emmanuel,
Your question is indeed an excellent one! The practice of tasering and pepper spraying is intended to familiarize you with the impact of these weapons, thereby informing your decision-making process when it comes to using them. It also aids in providing credible testimony in court. However, you're not struck with a nightstick or shot, are you?
As a former police officer, I believe the act of tasering is meant to reduce your hesitance in using the weapon, to make you perceive it as not a significant issue. The number of fatalities resulting from tasering is often overlooked, with experts attributing it to underlying health conditions like an enlarged heart. They argue that tasering is safer than shooting, which is true. Yet, many departments have begun to favor tasering over physical confrontation to apprehend a suspect. This approach is undoubtedly safer for the officer. However, I firmly believe that officers should at least attempt a physical arrest before resorting to tasering, unless there's a clear reason not to. I've seen too many instances where an officer has resorted to tasering simply because a suspect refused to kneel.
Truthfully, if you aspire to be an officer, this is just another challenge you'll have to face. You'll find yourself going along with it, just like the rest of the cadets. Once it's over, you'll likely feel relief and think it wasn't as bad as you had anticipated due to the stress you experienced beforehand.
If you disagree with this practice, strive to be the officer who climbs the ranks and brings about change. It's certainly achievable!
Best of luck!
Your question is indeed an excellent one! The practice of tasering and pepper spraying is intended to familiarize you with the impact of these weapons, thereby informing your decision-making process when it comes to using them. It also aids in providing credible testimony in court. However, you're not struck with a nightstick or shot, are you?
As a former police officer, I believe the act of tasering is meant to reduce your hesitance in using the weapon, to make you perceive it as not a significant issue. The number of fatalities resulting from tasering is often overlooked, with experts attributing it to underlying health conditions like an enlarged heart. They argue that tasering is safer than shooting, which is true. Yet, many departments have begun to favor tasering over physical confrontation to apprehend a suspect. This approach is undoubtedly safer for the officer. However, I firmly believe that officers should at least attempt a physical arrest before resorting to tasering, unless there's a clear reason not to. I've seen too many instances where an officer has resorted to tasering simply because a suspect refused to kneel.
Truthfully, if you aspire to be an officer, this is just another challenge you'll have to face. You'll find yourself going along with it, just like the rest of the cadets. Once it's over, you'll likely feel relief and think it wasn't as bad as you had anticipated due to the stress you experienced beforehand.
If you disagree with this practice, strive to be the officer who climbs the ranks and brings about change. It's certainly achievable!
Best of luck!
Dan Formato
Police Sergeant
6
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Kim had a good answer. I am a Taser instructor and have taught a number of recruits the benefits & limitations of the Taser.
Taser (the company) does not require exposures in their training. Exposures are done based on the individual agency's policies. My agency requires the exposure for many of the reasons Kim stated. They are valid reasons and I agree with them. I took the ride & it sucked, but it was over after 5 seconds. OC spray lasts a lot longer (45 minutes for me). Most people would rather be tased than sprayed.
I hope this helps! Be safe.
Taser (the company) does not require exposures in their training. Exposures are done based on the individual agency's policies. My agency requires the exposure for many of the reasons Kim stated. They are valid reasons and I agree with them. I took the ride & it sucked, but it was over after 5 seconds. OC spray lasts a lot longer (45 minutes for me). Most people would rather be tased than sprayed.
I hope this helps! Be safe.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Emmanuel