Taser Problems for Border Patrol

The Los Angeles Times “examined 450 uses of Tasers from 2010 to 2013 that were documented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. . .

At least 70 times, agents fired the devices at people who were running away, even though there was no struggle or clear indication that agents were in danger, according to use-of-force reports. At least six times, agents used the weapons against people who were trying to climb over the border fence back into Mexico.

Two people were shocked while they were handcuffed. Two were hit with five cycles of the weapon, even though the agency's policy says no one should receive more than three.

Three people died after being hit by Tasers wielded by border agents or customs officers. In one episode, 24-year-old Alex Martin, who had led agents on a car chase, burned to death after a border agent smashed his car window and fired a Taser inside. The device ignited an explosion and fireball.”

 

What we see over and over in attempts at police reforms is that training and new equipment do not solve the problem.  The problems of institutional/occupational culture, lack of transparency and accountability, poor leadership and sloppy recruiting are generally ignored.