The manufacturer of tasers, which generates an electrical shock, says the weapons are growing in popularity throughout the country including the central valley where subduing suspects affected by methamphetamine can be a challenge for police officers. Commander Jeffrey Shindler of the Merced Police Department says tasers make police work safer. SHINDLER :09—It reduces injuries to the suspect and to the officer to where there does not have to be any actual physical confrontation. Subjects can be subdued up to 21 feet. The recent death of a Fresno suspect who died after being disabled with a taser has rekindled the debate over their safety. Mark Schlosberg of the northern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union says the weapons should only be used in potentially lethal situations. SCHOLASBERG :09—Only when deadly force is authorized should tasers be allowed to be used, because they do have the potential to contribute to somebody’s death. The manufacturer says studies have shown tasers are not lethal in and of themselves. Bob Hensley KXJZ News.