“The use-of-force training and procedures and policy are up to the individual agencies, based on their community standard, their expertise and their own policies.”

– Steve Tuttle, spokesman, Taser International.

“It’s just really non-sensical, in a lot of these incidents, to use this weapon. If they had more information, they wouldn’t be pulling it when they really ought to be looking at other options.”

– Dalia Hashad, human rights violations specialist, Amnesty International.

“I’m interested in changing the policy so that Tasers are not used on non-violent people, particularly protesters taking a dignified stance. I see the points police make in using Tasers as an alternative to lethal force. But it seems like they’re lowering the threshold so they can use it for a wide variety of uses.”

– Jonathan Crowell, who was shot with a Taser during a peaceful demonstration in Brattleboro, Vt.

“Whether it’s coincidence or circumstance, we have several incidents of use of a Taser gun involving a person with a serious mental problem or presumed serious mental health problem. The use of a Taser intervention is not a minor situation, and it is not state-of-the-art mental health care.”

– Ken Libertoff, executive director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health.

“You have to remember: Officers going in are not all-knowing. They don’t have the luxury of knowing a person’s medical history.”

– Brattleboro (Vt.) Police Chief John Martin.

“It’s simple. If you do what you’re told and you comply, you won’t be Tased.”

– Richard Leighton, police chief in St. Johnsbury, Vt., where two men who were shocked with stun guns won a $10,000 settlement after claiming police used excessive force.