Tasers are being overused, but the risk of death or serious permanent injuries from a baton is probably greater--and they have been overused, as well.

A peace officer's duty is to deescalate violence. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes violence to end a violent encounter. With any use of force, a risk of death or injury is implied. The taser has it's place in the law enforcement arsenal, but only specially-trained officers should carry them.

When an officer mistakes his service weapon for a taser and kills someone, it's pretty clear that proper training is seriously lacking.

Onward and upward,
airforce