Taser use saves lives
By Heather Bailey

Story Created: Aug 19, 2009 at 5:57 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 20, 2009 at 8:20 AM MDT

A recent incident in Logan, resolved with the help of a taser, has once again given police reason to tout its benefits.

Logan Police responded earlier this week to a domestic violence call of a man wielding a four foot pipe. Police reports state the man challenged the officers and repeatedly refused to put the pipe down.

When back-up arrived, a Cache County Sheriffs Deputy activated the laser beam on his taser and pointed it at the man’s chest, that’s when the assailant complied and put the pipe down. Logan Police Lt. Rod Peterson says the taser influenced the man to make the right decision. “This is a situation where this guy could have easily been shot,” Peterson says.

Instances across the nation of someone dieing after having been shot by a taser have caused some people to be concerned about their use. However, Peterson likened it to hearing about a plane crash, but not about the hundreds and thousands of successful flights.

“I believe that the benefits of this tool far outweigh the tragic, few incidents that we’re all aware of," Peterson says, "but we just don’t hear about the success stories.”

He says tasers definitely save lives and help officers calm very volatile situations.
More ...