Three New Studies Crucial to Understanding TASER Issues
Posted by Steve Tuttle
Over the past two weeks, we have seen the American Medical Association (AMA) adopt new, constructive polices regarding the use of TASER® devices with the release of an important abstract on excited delirium from the University of Miami, and the presentation of a groundbreaking medical study regarding risk in arrest procedures associated with suspect behavior, as well as police tools and tactics. Each, in their own way, help advance our understanding of the complexities and dangers of taking a suspect into custody, the tools police use in performing arrests and, more specifically, with regards to TASER devices and TASER use policy.
The American Medical Association at its annual meeting earlier this month adopted new public health policies, including a resolution on TASER electronic control devices (ECDs). All in all, the resolution and accompanying report is generally positive. The AMA report finds that TASER devices, when used appropriately, can save lives during interventions that would have otherwise involved the use of deadly force. On its website, the AMA quotes Board Member Joseph Annis, M.D. as saying, “While TASERs can help law enforcement officers, proper use must be ensured through specific guidelines, rigorous training and an accountability system. There should also be a standardized approach to the medical evaluation of subjects exposed to TASERs.” We couldn’t agree more, and we look forward to working with groups like the AMA in the future.
Earlier this week, the National Institute of Health (NIH) website PubMed.com listed a key abstract on research into excited delirium syndrome which is slated for publication in Forensic Science International. The abstract “Brain biomarkers for identifying excited delirium as a cause of sudden death” describes research headed by Dr. Deborah Mash of the Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami. Read more…