SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The American Medical Association released a new report calling for more research on the use of Tasers.

The AMA found that the Tasers, which have become a common tool for law enforcement, have a role to play and that prudent use can save lives during interventions that would otherwise involve the use of deadly force. However, the association also had some concerns about their use, KPHO-TV reported.

A spokesman for Taser International, which is based in Scottsdale, called the report encouraging.

"We've been at the forefront for some of these human studies and to date we can't find a human study that will show a negative impact that would be certainly dangerous to the suspect out there," said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International.

Two years ago, an 18-year-old Gilbert, Ariz., suspect who appeared to be on drugs died a day after police used a Taser on him. His family has a lawsuit pending.

The AMA found that not enough studies explored the use of Tasers on criminal suspects, where there might be medical and psychiatric conditions, or alcohol or drug use.

The AMA's report detailed concerns about the use of Tasers in three general areas: They are used too frequently and at lower levels on the use-of-force continuum than indicated; appropriate training and supervision of Taser use is lacking in some jurisdictions; and they may contribute to the death of suspects, either directly or indirectly.

"You'd have to ask how many times the Taser was deployed. How many lived through that?" asked Dr. Ngoc Duong, a cardiologist at John C. Lincoln Hospital.

Duong said Tasers are relatively new technology, and that the AMA offers sound advice by recommending more research and clearer guidelines for law enforcement.

"It puts the onus off the police officer and more on the department and the city to help them out, to give them the guidance to protect the public without harming it," said Duong.