On February 23rd and 24th, 2005, The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in Arlington, Virginia, hosted a two-day conference entitled “Stun Devices: Uncertainties and Gaps in Knowledge.” The conference was co-sponsored by Aegis Industries, Inc. The purpose of the conference was to bring together experts from various fields including medical and health effects, safety and regulatory issues, policy, and industry practices, to discuss what we know about stun device technology and offer insight and suggestions on filling the current gaps in knowledge.
The purpose of this report is to objectively evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of stun devices in the context of law enforcement use, and in the near absence of federal governmental attention.
Based on the available evidence, and on accepted criteria for defining product risk vs. efficacy, we believe that when stun technology is appropriately applied, it is relatively safe and clearly effective. No federal regulative body has asserted oversight of current non-lethal stun technology. As a result, there is insufficient guidance for public and private management.
The transition of military Non-Lethal Technology (NLT) to traditional law enforcement and other stakeholders is not high-paced, nor organized optimally. The Institute investigated the efficiency and effectiveness of this transition process for what is now of course known as Homeland Security application. We initiated the program with a highly visible, funded project on electrical stun guns. The principal public concern of course with stun guns in particular, and NLT in general, is their perceived “lethality.” The Institute's project focused on the technical, policy, and indeed, public affairs issues associated with NLTs, specifically stun guns.
Press Coverage
The Potomac Institute's report on stun devices has been widely cited in the media.
FloridaToday.com (5/5/2005)
Potomac Institute President, Dr. Dennis K. McBride interview, KGNU Radio (5/3/05)
Discussed the results of Taser research.
You may hear that live broadcast via stream or download at KGNU's website, click on 2005-05-03.
Nantucket Island Inquirer: (4/28/2005)
"Police chief wants Tasers for officers"
Gailsburg Register Mail: (4/24/2005)
"Arguments for and Against Tasers"
Dallas Morning News (4/6/2005)
Press Enterprise (4/5/2005)
USA Today (4/4/2005)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (4/4/2005)
Newsday (4/3/2005)
Des Moines Register (4/2/2005)
East Valley Tribune (4/1/2005)
Project Press Releases
- Forum to Address Stun Gun Controversy
- Experts Analyze Stun Gun Debate
- Report Concludes Stun Guns Relatively Safe When Used Appropriately
For additional information on the project contact, Dr. Dennis K. McBride at 703.525.0770 or dmcbride [at] potomacinstitute [dot] org.