Orange County Grand Jury wants taser stun gun limits in jails

June 5, 2008
San Francisco Chronicle

The Orange County grand jury is urging limits to the use of Taser stun guns to subdue jailhouse inmates. Two inmates died recently after being shocked by the weapons.

In its annual State of the Orange County Jails, the grand jury recommended Wednesday that deputies no longer use the Taser weapon if there are other ways to control inmates. The panel also urged a Taser ban on people who are handcuffed.

Tasers were used on 437 inmates between 2004 and 2007.

Sheriff's Department policies already prohibit the use of the Taser unless other options fail or there is a danger to the deputy.