USA: Cruelty in control? the stun belt and other electro-shock equipment in law enforcement

Index Number: AMR 51/054/1999
Date Published: 7 June 1999
Categories: Americas, USA

This report examines the issue of the use of stun belts on prisoners in the USA. It looks at the growing concerns about the safety of such devices and the use of them in court which may interfere with the defendants ability to participate fully in the proceedings. It also examines the use of stunbelts in transportation and reports allegations of torture with such weapons. A section of the report is devoted to the issue of finding humane alternatives to the stun belt.