Members of the San Francisco Police Department may soon be permitted to carry stun guns.

Chief Greg Surh believes that if the policy is implemented, officers would be able to engage in an alternate use of force in situations where perpetrators pose an imminent threat to their safety. A prime example of such an incident took place last summer, when a mentally ill man who had just slashed a coworker with a box cutter was being chased by police.  As officers cornered him he lunged toward them, arm and weapon extended.  Shots were fired.  The suspect died later in the day.  Had these officers had stun guns, the man could have been subdued without the use of a firearm.

The Police Commission, though, is wary, citing concerns about possible medical risks to people who are on the receiving end of the charge.  Surh has since revised his request, indicating that if the measure is approved, stun guns would only be used on people who are intoxicated, on drugs or are mentally unstable.

Medical professionals say that although tazers are less likely to kill someone than a gun, it can still happen.  It is unclear how the shock could impact a person who is under the influence of narcotics or who are experiencing a psychiatric break.  Some think these people could be at higher risk for long-term medical complications or death due to the use of this type of force.  Research in this particular demographic is lacking.  At the same time, there are only a reported 1.4 deaths per 100,000 individuals tazed.  Proponents of the stun-gun approval believe that in the long run, it could save a lot of lives.

It is unclear when the Police Commission will make their final determination.