Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Interview: Absolute, with Nick Berardini
Aug 6, 2025
Nick Berardini, a journalist and filmmaker, dives deep into the dark side of tasers, revealing their controversial history and the grim realities behind their 'non-lethal' label. He shares the harrowing story of Stanley Harlan's death in custody, spotlighting the personal and systemic tragedies linked to taser use. Berardini also discusses corporate accountability and the chilling health risks associated with tasers, challenging the assumptions of safety that pervade police culture. This riveting exploration promises to change how you think about law enforcement technology.
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Tragic Death of Stanley Harlan
- Stanley Harlan was tasered by police and died in front of his mother after trying to call her for help.
- Neighbors confirmed he was nonviolent, with hands raised, yet officers tasered him for 30 seconds, leading to his death.
Taser Mechanism and Controversy
- Tasers deliver electric current causing neuromuscular incapacitation without strong enough current to electrocute.
- The company claims tasers cannot kill electrically, but many deaths contradict this assertion.
Rick Smith's Visionary Beginnings
- Rick Smith co-founded Taser International inspired by a Star Trek phaser and personal loss due to road rage shooting.
- The company struggled initially but pivoted to stronger tasers for police, growing to nearly $2 billion in worth.