A new study by the University of Pennsylvania has found that it’s safer for cops to use tasers to subdue perps than their fists and batons. But safest of all? Using words and patience.

The team examined over 24,000 cases where police had used force, including almost 5500 incidents involving a Taser. After controlling for factors such as the amount of resistance shown by the suspect, they found that Taser use reduced the overall risk of injury by 65 per cent.

[New Scientist]