Re: Different approach by the West Mids police

A taser is marketed by the Taser Corporation.  It is a rather large looking gun.  When used, two wires are sent out from the front of the gun.  The wires have sharp ends and are, depending on the model, about twenty five feet long or so (8 meters).  They will embed themselves in the targeted person and a strong electric shock is transmitted through the wires.  The shock renders the target incapable of resistance and you have time to subdue and handcuff him.

There has been some discussions about whether tasers are as harmless as the manufacturer claims.  The electric shock transmission is why I and some others have doubted that you want to send an electric shock into explosives.

From the product description:  Range: 15-35 feet for law enforcement and military, 15 feet only commercial.  
Method of Incapacitation: Electro-physical, involuntary contraction of skeletal muscle tissue. Overrides the motor nervous system, blocking command & control of the human body. Existing stun systems stimulate sensory neurons and can be over-ridden by a focused individual. The TASER EMD devices directly stimulate motor nerve and muscle tissue, causing incapacitation regardless of mental focus, training, size, or drug induced dementia.  

Hope that helps.

Craig

http://www.taser.com/index.htm


> What exactly are tasers and what do they do? Are they similar to the phasers in 
> Star Trek where the charge sent 
> out is adjustible?