I've been a Taser instructor for about 5 years now, and i've been hit numerous times with the taser. I've also had several opportunities to use it in the field. I can assure you that it is an extremely effective weapon, and has saved a lot of lives and reduced injuries, not only among police officers, but among the suspects themselves.
There's been a lot of disinformation being spread in certain media circles about this wonderful tool, among folks like Amnesty Internation, the ACLU and other groups who have a political agenda. None of the information being spread by these groups is accurate, or even close to reality.
The statements that the taser has "caused several deaths" is not only inaccurate, it is a complete fabrication and a distortion of reality, by people cynically seeking to pursue a political agenda. As a law enforcement officer, I hope that every citizen takes the time to research the Taser and see just exactly what it does and what it does not do.
Education of the public will ensure that this tool will remain an effective option in the hands of the law enforcement community. It is only ignorance that will cause the community to believe that this device is anything other than a safe, effective, lifesaving tool that our communities have an interest in utilizing.