Police admit tasers could kill

Published: 6:30PM Wednesday December 13, 2006 Source: One News

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Police have admitted for the first time that the controversial taser stun-guns could kill.

Previously they have only said victims risked injury if they fell badly.  But it has emerged the head of the taser trial told a Police Association conference there is a one in 870 chance of a fatality.
       
On Wednesday he backed away from that number - while accepting that the taser could kill.

"While it's not possible to substantiate the odds, the taser without any other level of force, does have a level of risk," Superintendent John Rivers says.

Critics say the 12 month trial is a sham and should be abandoned.

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