THE MINISTRY of National Security says it is rethinking the practicality of acquiring a new type of stun gun for use by members of the Jamaica Constabulary (JCF).
In a news release from the Jamaica Information Service on the weekend, the Ministry said it was examining the feasibility of using Taser Security Devices (TSD) to apprehend suspects, particularly in situations where the safety of both parties is threatened.
TASER SECURITY DEVICES
The TSD, which retails for US$600 each, involves the use of a non-lethal gun and cartridge to spray compressed nitrogen from a distance, on suspects. The substance acts on the sensory and motor nervous systems, instantly disrupting the nervous system and immobilising the person for up to 30 minutes. During this time, the person can be taken into custody and additional law officers summoned to assist.
Representatives from the Security Ministry, the Ministry of Health, medical sector, security services and other relevant bodies, participated in a recent workshop and demonstration of the security device.
The workshop/demonstration was led by Tom Smith, president of Taser International, who said the technology was 95 per cent more effective than pepper spray and other chemical devices. He said it was proven to be effective in ending confrontations safely with aggressive and violent persons.
The device was developed in the United States three years ago and has been used on some 40,000 persons there.
But health professionals who attended the workshop questioned the effect that the device could have on persons, especially the hypertensive. The device has also been proven to ignite gasolene; it could result in eye injury if pointed to the face, and muscle contractions resulting from activation of the motor nerve could be an issue for pregnant women.
The device is modelled off a relatively simple handgun but is distinctly made of a different colour to differentiate it from a regular shotgun. It is equipped with two sets of cartridges and powered by eight AA batteries.
