What is Torture?

TORTURE:
noun
1. The infliction of severe pain as a punishment or a forcible means of persuasion.
2. Great suffering or anxiety.
verb
Subject to torture.

(From the Oxford English Dictionary)

The United Nations claims that the Taser is a form of torture, and it probably fits the dictionary definition as the infliction of severe pain as a means of persuasion. But considering the alternative of using guns, I think most reasonable people should.

Nor should overseas misuse of the Taser be an argument for not equipping Police with it. In South America Police are allowed to use firearms to stop a fleeing suspect, even if unarmed. Would anyone suggest that the Police in New Zealand are not allowed to use guns (in certain circumstances) because of another police force has different guidelines that are less stringent?

Also, New Zealand Police do not have a blanket defence against charges of assault or murder - they can only use force in certain circumstances. If an officer has a dangerous disregard for Police policy they could find themselves in the cell next to the offender they wrongly attacked.

If New Zealand Police have robust guidelines for using the Taser only when preventing serious harm to themselves or others, I will support their introduction.