SBS Dateline | Taser Troubles

The death of Brazilian man Roberto Laudisio Curti in Sydney after being tasered by police has once again thrust the safety of tasers into the headlines.

His isn’t the first death after being incapacitated with a shock from the 50,000 volt weapon, but the manufacturers in the United States still insist they’re safe.

Nick Lazaredes gets open access to Taser International's factory in Arizona, as well as going on patrol with Portland Police in Oregon, who both vigorously defend their use.

But he also finds a growing list of incidents where people have been left dead or seriously injured after being tasered by police… some of them without even committing any crime.

So has the safety of tasers really been properly tested? And have police gone too far in relying on their use?

WATCH - Click to see Nick's investigation.

THE TASER DEBATE - Find out how tasers work, and read more about the arguments for and against their use. Then tell us what you think on our comments page.

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Photo (taser file image): Newspix