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As a police officer I have worked for an agency that has a Taser and one that does not. I have been pepper sprayed and Tased. Yes the Taser was much more painful and impossible to fight through. However, when pepper sprayed I was able to strike multiple targets with full strength and negotiate an obstacle course. I felt the effects of the Taser for 5 seconds. I felt the effects of the pepper spray for three days. That said, I would much rather be Tased then pepper sprayed or hit with a baton and risk having a broken bone.

I arrested a male who was highly intoxicated and resisted arrest. Several focus blows were used and he was restrained by three officers to be placed in handcuffs. Two day later when he was sober he told me he didn't remember much. I told him I almost pepper sprayed him since I no longer work at an agency that carries Tasers. He said he was glad he didn't get sprayed because he'd probably still feel it. He was unsure if his muscle soreness was from resisting arrest or the fight he was in prior to our arrival. He told me he has been Tased six times and he would rather be Tased instead of sprayed anytime.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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