29 An electric shock flashlight An electric shock baton An electric shock shield for such purposes. They are more widely used by private security companies and for self-defence by civilians. Possible health and/or human rights implications of use in policing assemblies: Injuries arising from the use of direct contact electric shock equipment can include burns and scars or welts. Should the person fall, secondary injuries may occur such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, concussion, etc. These weapons are open to misuse, as they allow the user to inflict extreme pain at the touch of a button, often without leaving long-lasting identifiable physical traces. Examples of inappropriate use include sustained shock, multiple shocks or shocks on inappropriate areas of the body and/or used as a punishment. Most direct contact electric shock weapons do not have a cut-out function, automatically limiting the duration of the shock, which can enable the application of prolonged electric shocks. Use in crowd-control situations can induce fear and cause stampedes. Displays of the sparking function, which produces visible sparks and a large crackling sound, can be threatening and intimidating. Both the CPT and the European Court of Human Rights have expressed “strong reservations” about the use of direct contact electric shock weapons, stating that “properly trained law enforcement officers have many other control techniques available to them when they are in touching distance of a person who has to be brought under their control”.41 41 European Court of Human Rights, Anzhelo Georgiev and Others v. Bulgaria, judgment of 30 September 2014, para. 76; CPT, “Electrical Discharge Weapons”, op. cit., note 33, para. 78.