Law enforcement in the United States uses a diversity of methods when dealing with circumstances that might involve violence like less-lethal weaponry. Such weapons used by law enforcement include wooden baton, Tasers and pepper sprays. These weapons have been used in saving lives throughout the United States since they provide law enforcement with an opportunity for apprehension or defence without using a firearm. This weaponry has given police officers an opportunity for self-defence and reduced the possibility of injuries. Therefore, the use of any weapons comes with its jeopardies; hence, police weapons, especially on children, should be limited.
Unlike adults, children are more affected by some weapons used on them by police officers. For example, a Taser can cause long-term injuries to children. If a Taser is used on a child, it exposes them to damage of their eyes, brain, and other major organs ( Milbrand, 2018 ). Tasers supersede an individual's nervous system, constricting their muscles and causing pain, rendering them incapable of moving. An individual's mental functioning is also temporary impaired, comparable to dementia. However, adults might not be affected by such a weapon, but children are more likely to be affected if used. Concerns about using Tasers on children have risen as people want the police to stop using the weapon on them.
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More so, if a weapon such as pepper spray is used on a child, that child might develop neural problems like brain or nerve damage. They might also develop lung conditions and expose them to allergies or asthma if the chemical reaches the child's upper respiratory tract (Critchfield, 2020). Also, if a child experiences any violence, especially from law enforcement, they can be traumatized in their whole lives. They can look physically okay but are mentally devastated. Children believe that law enforcement or the police officers are meant to protect them fromfrom weapons on them, and might grow up in fear of the police. Therefore, some weapons should not be used on children because they might cause irreversible harm.
References
Critchfield, H. (2020). Pepper Spray More Dangerous for Children, Experts Say | NC Health News , from https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2020/11/03/pepper-spray-more-dangerous-for-children-experts-say/#:~:text=A%20child%20may%20develop%20neurological,enters%20their%20upper%20respiratory%20tract .
Milbrand, L. (2018). Why It's Never okay to Taser a Child . Health Parents News , from https://www.parents.com/health/parents-news-now/why-its-never-ok-for-an-11-year-old-to-be-tasered/ .
