With taser guns now an integral tool on most police forces, it’s not unusual to hear stories of atrocious police brutality. Sure our officers need protection against society’s most dangerous criminals, but some find the temptation of power too great. Although all states have some type of law which punishes those who abuse their power as enforcers of the law, it’s not difficult to find an appropriate loophole in these statutes.

According to the laws of New York, a person acting under the “color of state law” uses excessive force when the circumstances deem such force as unreasonable. This test of reasonableness depends on several factors such as the amount of force used, the injuries suffered, and whether the force was implemented in “good faith”. Generally, this means that officers can lawfully use excessive force if they believe their safety is at stake or the public is in danger. Unfortunately, many officers can easily avoid punishment for brutality by simply stating that he/she felt at risk.

Several months ago, a fourteen year old girl was tasered in the head when officers tried to prevent her from running away. After an argument with her mother, the child was taken to the police station for intervention. As the girl turned to leave the station, she was tasered directly in the head and suffered severe injuries as a result of the abusive and unnecessary behavior of the officer. As a teenager (maybe even still as adults), we all rebel against parental authority but using a taser seems implausibly excessive. What would you have thought if you received an electric shock to the head simply because of an argument with your parents?

Consider this example: An autistic 12 year old boy became unruly at his middle school and the police force was called in. The officer administered a 50,000 volt electric shock to the child’s body, causing minor injuries. “This is a question of common sense. . . . You don't discharge a taser at a child, absent the most extreme circumstances”, said Michael Gennaco, a former federal prosecutor who now monitors internal discipline of deputies for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Finally, the story of a college student in California exemplifies the abuse that continues to affect more and more citizens. Phuong Ho, 20, was viciously beaten by officers after an argument with his roommate who poured soap on his dinner. The four officers are now on administrative leave following the release of a cell phone video taken by the victim’s roommate and instigator of the episode.

Still, the question of what constitutes excessive force is best left to the legal experts. While men and women of the police force are entitled to protection, restrictions are vital for diminishing abuses of power. Should greater limitations be implemented or is force necessary to maintain order in society?