Italian police were given
initial approval Tuesday to use Taser electric stun guns on a
trial basis for the first time, following a motion by Gregorio
Fontana of the centre-right Forza Italia (FI) party.
The motion must still be approved by the Lower House before
the trial use of the electroshock weapon, used by police
services in many countries, can begin.
The motion was approved after Italian Deputy Interior
Minister Filippo Bubbico reworded the motion to say
experimentation must take place "with necessary precautions for
the health and safety of the public and in accordance with the
principles of precaution, and after consultation with the health
minister".
Fontana said his motion's approval constituted "a first
real step toward the introduction of the Taser as a tool
supplied to police".
"It is hoped that the condition laid down by the rewording
of the motion" does not impede "technological modernization of
extreme usefulness for security operators and all citizens,"
Fontana went on.
Proponents say the weapons have allowed police to subdue
dangerous suspects with fewer injuries than when guns are used.
However, critics have complained the use of Tasers can
result in serious injury and even death.
Fontana pointed out that the Taser is used in the United
States, United Kingdom, France and Switzerland.
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