'Tasers prevent (a) suicide'

Globe and Mail (26 June 2008) - 'Amid the growing taser controversy, one man's life is saved by the device' In a week when RCMP faced growing scrutiny over taser-related deaths, Nanaimo police are pointing to the recent use of a stun gun on a suicidal man outside a local motel as an example of the weapon's life-saving potential. The man had slashed his wrists at a Nanaimo motel. ... [LINK]

It's a nice outcome when police can prevent a suicide.

But let's examine the larger picture in British Columbia regarding suicides (and remember: BC is the province where where tasers seem to be most endemic, and their use appears to be the most out-of-control).

The Province (22 June 2008) on BC suicide rates - ...More people died at their own hands in B.C. in 2006 than in motor-vehicle accidents. The silent, self-inflicted epidemic has claimed over 10,000 lives in the province over the last 20 years, and the raw number of suicides has remained steady at about 500 a year. ... [LINK]

So, aside from the occasional successful suicide-prevention incident, all those tasers flowing onto BC over the past few years haven't really done a damn thing for the actual suicide rate. This incident in Nanaimo, while seemingly noble, is not a true reflection of the relationship between tasers and suicide in BC (which is apparently 'none whatsoever').

The increasing number, and increasing use, of tasers has not helped.

The news story at top is being presented (by the Nanaimo police) in a manner that amounts to subtle pro-taser propaganda. It's an example that indicates that the police are, in some cases, unmitigated taser fan-boys. Someone could probably write a PhD thesis on the psychology of the relationship between Taser and the police.


"Tasers prevent (a) suicide..."

One little letter changes the whole meaning.

Reminds me of the famous line: "That's one small step for (a) man..."