Is the Assault Intervention Device Ethical for Use in Jails?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ethical implications of using the Assault Intervention Device in jails, comparing it to other forms of crowd control like pepper spray. Participants explore the potential risks and benefits of deploying such technology in correctional facilities, including concerns about safety and the potential for misuse.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express strong opposition to the device being used in jails, questioning its ethical implications and suggesting it could lead to misuse.
  • Others argue that the device may be comparable to pepper spray, prompting a discussion about the ethical differences between these forms of control.
  • Concerns are raised about a past incident where a test subject was seriously injured, with references to reports suggesting the device was misused by untrained personnel.
  • Some participants speculate that the device might be more appropriate for prisons rather than jails, indicating uncertainty about its deployment in different correctional environments.
  • There is a suggestion that the discussion has been exaggerated, with references to previous incidents involving military versions of the device causing injuries.
  • One participant acknowledges the potential for the device to be used against protesters, raising questions about its broader implications for civil liberties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the ethical use of the device in jails, with multiple competing views on its appropriateness and safety. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific incidents and reports regarding the device's safety and efficacy, but there are limitations in the details provided about the device's operational parameters and the context of its testing.

SixNein
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I would not agree with this device being used over seas much less in our own jail systems.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_jail_ray_gun


Why don't we just launch an inquisitor program?
 
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How is it different, ethically, from pepper spray? And what does it have to do with an "inquisitor program"?
 
russ_watters said:
How is it different, ethically, from pepper spray? And what does it have to do with an "inquisitor program"?

I don't think it has anything to do with an inquisitor program, but I wanted to over-exaggerate to get the comments rolling =p

Should a device with these capabilities be deployed in jails? I would argue maybe to prisons, but I'm not sure it belongs in jails.

According to a blog at wired, a test person was seriously injured by the device:

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/08/aclu-blasts-jailhouse-pain-ray-condemns-star-wars-tech/

But they may have fixed it?
 
If the device is deployed, eventually, it will end up being used to scatter protesters

First, that's not obvious at all. But let's assume so.

As opposed to dropping tear gas and beating people into submission? Explain why this is worse because there is a small risk of being burned. And the test subject who was burned was burned because of the device being turned to a too powerful level (beyond what it was supposed to be set to for the scenario in question)

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/dangerroom/files/danger_room.PDF
 
SixNein said:
Should a device with these capabilities be deployed in jails? I would argue maybe to prisons, but I'm not sure it belongs in jails.

According to a blog at wired, a test person was seriously injured by the device:

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/08/aclu-blasts-jailhouse-pain-ray-condemns-star-wars-tech/

But they may have fixed it?
Fixed what? Was it broken? Yes, I think it should be used in jails. But I won't explain until you do: this is your thread and it is your responsibility to get the discussion going by explaining your point.
 
Office_Shredder said:
First, that's not obvious at all. But let's assume so.

As opposed to dropping tear gas and beating people into submission? Explain why this is worse because there is a small risk of being burned. And the test subject who was burned was burned because of the device being turned to a too powerful level (beyond what it was supposed to be set to for the scenario in question)

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/dangerroom/files/danger_room.PDF

They must have released some details on the issue. I'm still reading up on it.
 
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russ_watters said:
Fixed what? Was it broken? Yes, I think it should be used in jails. But I won't explain until you do: this is your thread and it is your responsibility to get the discussion going by explaining your point.

I couldn't find any details on the accident outline in the story, but the poster before you had found one. Apparently, someone set the device too high and caused the test subject to have 2nd degree burns. Apparently, the device had been used by untrained people and without all of the proper equipment.

So the story is much to do about nothing.
 
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SixNein said:
I don't think it has anything to do with an inquisitor program, but I wanted to over-exaggerate to get the comments rolling =p
You know that's called "trolling", right?
 
Hurkyl said:
You know that's called "trolling", right?

When the story first came out, the story was exaggerated with comments like "noting that early military versions resulted in five airmen suffering lasting burns."

Oh well, if you have moderate powers... go ahead and lock or delete the thread.
 

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