Would you mind turning around while I Taser you?: Police told not to fire at target’s chest

Police have been told not to shoot Taser guns, which carry an electric shock of 50,000 volts, at suspects' chests in case it triggers a heart attack

www.dailymail.co.uk

Police officers have been told not to fire a Taser gun at a suspect’s chest in case it triggers a heart attack.

Tasers were touted by the Government as a safe way to immobilise suspects and made available to all police forces in England and Wales in an £8million programme.

They fire a projectile carrying a 50,000-volt electric shock up to 25ft.

But police have been left confused after the manufacturer of the guns revised its guidance, urging officers to try to fire at a suspect’s back instead.

They say officers could be put off using the weapons as it is difficult to avoid the chest area, and they fear facing legal action brought by suspects.

The new guidance issued by Taser International, based in Arizona, says: ‘Officers should avoid chest shots where possible. Read full article…

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