Jones: Self-defense with Taser beats being shot with a bullet

Sen. Rick Jones, sponsor of a bill to legalize Tasers for citizens with concealed pistol licenses, emailed The Detroit News feedback on today’s article about the legislation advancing to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.

Here’s what the Grand Ledge Republican and former Eaton County sheriff had to say about a Michigan State University researcher’s conclusions about the safety of stun guns used by police to subdue individuals during an arrest:

Your article says the study shows 41 percent of the time when police use Tasers the suspect is injured. Normally police use a Taser when someone is very violent.

Citizen use of a Taser will be self defense. Citizen Tasers in Michigan law will be treated as a handgun. We will be the only state that requires the 8 hour CPL training. CPL holders are taught when they can and cannot shoot. (concealed pistol license)

Tasers will be an option to replace a gun with bullets. Even if people are injured 41 % of the time with Tasers, I suspect that most injuries are scratches and bruises from falling. They will be injured 100% of the time when shot with a bullet.

Rick Jones