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New Study Brings Concerns Over Taser Safety


Posted on Dec 06, 2008

According to a new study conducted by National Technical Systems (NTS), based in Calabasas, California, it has been found that the Taser stun guns most commonly used by police officers can fire more electricity than what the company says is possible.  Researchers say that this increased electric shock can potentially raise the risk of cardiac arrest as much as 50 percent in some people.

This study also found that even stun guns firing at the intended electrical levels create some risk of inducing a heart attack, depending on the circumstances.  The findings of this study are in direct conflict with Taser International Inc.’s position that electric shocks from the stun guns cannot cause death.  According to the study, the results raise concerns about the quality control in the stun gun’s manufacturing and decline in performance over time.

National Technical Systems was hired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  Biomedical engineer Pierre Savard at the University of Montreal, developed the testing procedure based on Taser International’s specifications and stated that he found the results to be troublesome.

Researchers tested 41 x26 Taser stun guns from seven U.S. police departments.  During the tests, each stun gun was fired six times and “four delivered significantly more current than Taser International said was possible.”  All of the stun guns used in the study were manufactured before 2005.

"When you combine an increased current intensity with a dart that falls right over the heart for somebody who has cardiovascular disease or other conditions such as using drugs, for example, it can all add up to a fatal issue," said Savard.

Taser International, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, called the study flawed and said that it “intends to contact NTS to suggest that the tests be repeated to verify the results.”

Design and manufacturing issues have come up in the past regarding Taser’s stun guns.  There was a shareholder lawsuit against Taser International in 2005, where design flaws and manufacturing problems were key elements.  The lawsuit claimed that faulty quality control and unstable circuit boards led to massive returns of Taser stun guns.  A settlement was reached for this lawsuit for $21 million.

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