-
Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
A warning from the manufacturer has meant New Zealand police will change the way they use the controversial Taser gun.
Taser International is advising police not to aim the device, capable of a 50,000 volt charge, at the chest to "avoid the controversy about whether it affects the human heart".
Taser International issued a training bulletin, telling users to target lower on the body, around the belt buckle or abdomen area.
It is hoped the advice will help reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in Taser victims, but some New Zealand politicians are not convinced the advice is enough.
"Taser itself has now had to back down and effectively say the Taser is not safe for people with heart conditions; surely, that puts a question mark over the whole weapon," says Green Party MP Keith Locke.
Police have used the Taser eight times in the last 10 months, and say it is a safe and effective weapon and often sees offenders surrender when produced.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
-
The changing face of farming (1:49)
-
ONE Weather 6pm update: 26 May (4:56)
