Reply #47: Taser hit on girl, 9, stirs talk on ethics . . . [View All]

[TeeYiYi]

Taser hit on girl, 9, stirs talk on ethics
Maker says device has been used on other U.S. children

_{By L. Anne Newell
ARIZONA DAILY STAR}

A handcuffed 9-year-old girl subdued with a Taser by South Tucson police is among a growing group of toddlers and youngsters the device has been used on nationally.

Still, few local agencies or national oversight groups have age-specific guidelines for the use of the stun-gun device, though they advise officers to use caution with it and avoid firing at pregnant women and compliant suspects.

<snip>

There have been other kids hit by Tasers, though.

Records kept by Taser International of Scottsdale show that as of six months ago, two 1-year-olds, one 2-year-old, two 3-year-olds, two 4-year-olds, one 5-year-old, one 6-year-old and one 7-year-old had been hit with Tasers, though most of the toddlers were hit inadvertently.

Slightly older children also have been hit, including a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl wielding a samurai sword, another 13-year-old girl in Washington who fought with officers, and another 13-year-old girl in Chandler who also fought.

http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/dailystar/23559.php

TYY