Discussion Paper

No. 2009-36 | July 27, 2009

Bryan C. McCannon

Do Less-Violent Technologies Result in Less Violence? A Theoretical Investigation Applied to the Use of Tasers by Law Enforcement

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Abstract

The use of a taser by law enforcement can substitute for either a gun (a more-violent technology) or a mildly-violent technology (such as pepper spray or hands-on tactics). Which is used affects both the severity of harm when used and the amount of resistance, which affects how often it must be used. Thus, does the adoption of a less-violent technology lead to more or less violence? This question is addressed in an application to the adoption of tasers by law enforcement officials. A game-theoretic model is developed and environments where resistance to arrest and expected harm both increase and decrease are identified.

JEL Classification

K42

Cite As

Bryan C. McCannon (2009). Do Less-Violent Technologies Result in Less Violence? A Theoretical Investigation Applied to the Use of Tasers by Law Enforcement. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2009-36, Kiel Institute for the World Economy. http://www.economics-ejournal.org/economics/discussionpapers/2009-36

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