Northerners most likely to be zapped

Jan 6 2008 by Nigel Green, Sunday Sun

Concern at death toll

THE safety of Tasers is at the centre of a political storm both in Britain and abroad following a spate of deaths surrounding their use.

In Canada, video footage was released of an immigrant who died moments after being stunned with the 50,000-volt weapon in October.

Robert Dziekanski, 40, was restrained by cops after becoming agitated at Vancouver International Airport . . . one of 18 people to have died following the use of Tasers in the North American country since 2003.

In the North, Brian Loan, 47, died three days after he was shot with a Taser and a baton gun by Durham Police.

Mr Loan was arrested in 2006 after allegedly making threats against a woman.

Armed police surrounded his house in Sacriston and later found a sword in the property, as well as two axes in the garden.

Mr Loan was found dead at his father’s home in Gateshead after suffering a heart attack.

Although his family blamed the use of the weapons for his death, a post- mortem examination established it was due to natural causes.

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission cleared the force of any blame.

Amnesty International has voiced concern over the increased use of Tasers in Britain. It claims 220 people have died after their use by cops in the USA since 2001. Spokesman Steve Ballinger said: “These weapons are potentially lethal. Police officers using Tasers must be trained to the same high standard as they are for using a firearm . . . receiving intensive, ongoing training to ensure that they only fire these dangerous weapons in the right situations.

“We’re worried that the move towards wider deployment of Tasers will water down training and ultimately put people at risk.”

In November, North Wales Police chief Richard Brunstrom was filmed being zapped by a Taser to show their effectiveness. The footage shows him swearing after being floored by the stun gun. He warns that people who disobey Taser-armed officers will “not enjoy the consequences”.

The Association of Chief Police Offices defended the use of Tasers. Spokesman Charlie Hill said: “Taser provides the police with an additional tactical option that is less lethal than conventional firearms and is a valuable tool for use where officers face severe violence or threats of violence.

“Before the police service adopted the use of Taser in 2004, it was subjected to rigorous testing and its use has been continually monitored and reviewed since that time.

“It has proved its value in enabling officers to resolve dangerous situations safely and without injury to any person where there is otherwise a real risk that someone may have been shot and killed.”