Mentally Ill Most at Risk from Taser Roll Out

“The concerns expressed by the Ombudsman are very serious, particularly his criticism of the inadequate operating procedures that currently exist for the use of these weapons,” said Ms Hale.

In his report the Ombudsman describes the application of a Taser as “extremely painful” and says that “there is no doubt that people have died after being subject to a Taser application. “ The Ombudsman found that over two thirds of people subjected to electric shock from a Taser were identified as having mental health issues.

“It is very concerning that Tasers are being used so heavily against the mentally ill.”

“Despite the level of Taser use against people with mental illness there has been no systematic medical follow up for those who have been subject to electric shock from a Taser,” said Ms Hale.

Ms Hale said she is concerned that the roll out of Tasers to general duties police will see a much greater use of Tasers resulting in more serious injuries to members of the public.

“The mentally ill are most likely to be subject to electric shock from a Taser as this becomes the easy option for police.”