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Anchor:
You know them by the brand name "TASER" electroshock weapons that were developed to assist police in apprehending criminal suspects. So what are they doing in the hands of civilians? TASER have become very easy to obtain. but is that a good idea? the I-Team's Roberta Baskin has been investigating.

Roberta Baskin:
Seven states and the District of Columbia have made it illegal to own a TASER. Still they're available everywhere else. They've become the new "in" thing for personal protection thanks to a very successful marketing campaign.

Story: "Don't tase me, bro."

"Don't tase me, bro" was the 2007 quote of the year. And the infamous video showed how painful it can be.

Now TASER International is looking at how profitable it can be to put a civilian model TASER in the hands of women, encouraging self defense, featuring a smaller size weapon… wild colors, even leopard print.

With its fashion-conscious makeover, TASERs are even being peddled at Tupperware-like parties.

Arizona woman: "Oh what a great idea. A new Tupperware party where they're selling TASERs, it's fabulous!"

TASER International relishes this brand new market.

Tom Smith, TASER Chairman: "The product's the right size, it's the right shape, it's the right price point."

And YouTube is the right place to go if you want to watch young people zapping each other with 50,000 volts. Temporarily paralyzing their victims.

But after six people died within a week of being tasered, the UN Committee Against Torture declared a TASER "causes acute pain, constituting a form of torture."

Dalia Hashad: "It's marketed like the newest and coolest cell phone. But it's not."

Amnesty International's Dalia Hashad had been tracking police use of TASERs, citing some 300 deaths. Lately she's been monitoring the growing number of civilian incidents.

Dalia Hashad: "All a person who wants to hurt a woman has to do is go onto the website order this product, it appears on his doorstep and the next day he could be at yours."

This 72-year old Florida man fell unconscious after being attacked with a TASER during a minor fender bender.

He says it could have been worse if he'd been struck near his pace maker.

"And they have wires into my heart, and I'm sure I'd be dead."

And just last week this Portland man was convicted and sentenced to 4 years in prison for zapping his 18-month old son twice with this high voltage stun gun. Supposedly to "toughen" him up.

And in Manassas these three women were convicted of using a TASER to stun other women and rob them.

"That's really shocking in this area."

The hottest-selling tasers do have new safety features. But with well over 10,000 of these sold in just the first year, the question is HOW are they all going to be used?

Roberta Baskin: 60% of the buyers are now women.

The Justice Dept is reviewing deaths for a report later this year.

And TASER International is developing a shotgun with a knock out punch of 65 feet. NOT a model being sold to the public.
For More Information:


Statement from Tom Smith, founder of TASER International

www.taser.com

U.N. Committee Against Torture Report

Father Stuns Son

Arizona Home Invasion

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