Book Review: Grayson, K. (2008). Chasing Dragons: Security, Identity, and Illicit Drugs in Canada. Toronto, ON, Canada: University of Toronto Press, pp. 323, paperback, ISBN: 978-0-8020-9479-7

• Published date: 01 December 2009
• Date: 01 December 2009
• Author: John Winterdyk
• DOI: 10.1177/1057567709349191
• Subject Matter: Articles

Chapter 3, the main body of the book, is the longest chapter containing 124 pages. A total of 213

cases are studied in this chapter. The first 42 cases represent deaths that involved the first and second

generation taser weapons, the TASER TF-76, the TASERTRON, and the AIR TASER 34000, that

took place between 1983 and 1999. The next 171 cases were related to the use of the third and fourth

generation taser weapons, the ADVANCED TASER M26 and the TASER X26, that took place

between 2000 and 2005. In each case, Williams identifies the name of the deceased, the age,

race/gender, the agency involved in the taser use, the date of the incident, the cause of death, the role

of the taser device in the death of the subject, and whether it is excluded, doubtful, possible, con-

firmed or undetermined. A brief synopsis of the facts of each case is provided. Williams contends

that because record laws vary among the states, obtaining information for the cases was an arduous

task. Thus, information for the cases was compiled from wire service, television, newspaper, police,

and autopsy reports.

The last chapter of Williams’ book provides a thorough analysis of the data collected. The author

concludes that, as a cause of death, the taser was excluded in 149 cases; doubtful in 10 cases; unde-

termined in 11 cases; and confirmed only in 1 case. In this case, the target was initially shocked 5

times by the taser for 7, 8, 6, 5, and 9 s, respectively. When the subject continued to fight, an officer

applied the taser for 2 min 49 s. He was later pronounced dead. The coroner listed the subject’s

cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia due to taser shocks. As a significant contributing factor, taser

devices were excluded in 136 cases, doubtful in 12 cases, possible in 6 cases, undetermined in 16

cases, and confirmed only in 1 case.

One of the major strengths of this book is that it is the first comprehensive compilation of taser

cases collected from media, police, and autopsy reports. While the first two chapters set an exhaus-

tive and scholarly background about the taser as a non-lethal weapon, the cases themselves in chapter

3 are very well organized, straightforward and interesting to read. The fourth chapter provides an

excellent analysis of the cases collected for this study, separating evidence from conjecture. It is

interesting to note that of the 213 cases, the taser was confirmed as a cause of death in only one case

and as a significant contributing factor in another. While this book certainly has academic merit, it

will also be of interest to criminal justice practitioners. I really enjoyed reading this book and

strongly suggest that it should be made compulsory reading for every police officer who uses the

weapon and every law enforcement agency that deploys tasers. An understanding of the medical and

technical aspects of the weapon can go a long way in the effective use of the weapon. This book

would also make excellent supplemental reading material for a criminal justice class related to the

use of force. I strongly recommend this book.

Vidisha Barua

Penn State Altoona

Grayson, K. (2008). Chasing Dragons: Security, Identity, and Illicit Drugs in Canada.

Toronto, ON, Canada: University of Toronto Press, pp. 323, paperback,

ISBN: 978-0-8020-9479-7.

DOI: 10.1177/1057567709349191

This is a book with a memorable title and whose subject matter immediately has the potential to

peak one’s curiosity. On reading the title, it becomes immediately evident that the author has likely

taken a ‘‘different’’ approach to examining the issue of illicit drugs in Canada. A read of the back

Book Reviews 491