Chapter 7: Main Points Summary

Introducing Our Model Use of Force Policy Beta Release

As part of the SCRJ’s Model Use of Force Policy Beta Release, we will be posting individual chapters and accompanying explanatory materials, including main point summaries and fact sheets. Read the full Chapter 7: TASER Energy Weapons and other Conducted Electrical Weapons

WHAT ARE TASER ENERGY WEAPONS AND OTHER CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPONS (CEWs)?

CEWs are handheld devices that use compressed nitrogen to launch two or four (depending on the manufacturer and device) tiny barbed darts tethered to a power source by insulated wires that project outward to maximum distances of 15-35 feet. CEWs also have a “touch-stun” mode used for pain compliance. When the darts attach to clothing or penetrate the skin, they deliver short electric pulses with very low average current that interrupts the electrical signals from the central nervous system to the peripheral body, typically leading to neuro-muscular incapacitation.

WHEN ARE CEWs ALLOWED?

CEWs may be used only when authorized under Chapter 1: There must be a lawful objective and the officer must use the least amount of force necessary and any such force must be proportionate to the totality of the circumstances. CEWs are specifically permitted:

  • To incapacitate a person who poses an immediate threat of physical injury to himself or others.
  • When an officer is engaged in a physical confrontation with a combative individual and attempts to control the subject when lower levels of force options have been ineffective.
  • Against aggressive animals when the animal reasonably appears to pose an imminent threat to the safety of the Officer, another person, or another animal.

ADDITIONAL KEY PROVISIONS

  • An officer must be certified as a trained user to be issued a CEW.
  • CEWs should not be fired at the head or neck unless the use of deadly force is authorized.
  • If feasible and safe, the officer must issue a verbal warning before full deployment of a CEW.
  • A CEW may be applied for the minimal amount of time necessary. Officers are prohibited from applying the CEW for longer than a five-second cycle without interruption. No more than three cycles of five seconds each may be used.
  • CEWs generally cannot be used on vulnerable categories of individuals (i.e., children, elderly, women believed to be pregnant, etc.); or on a handcuffed person, with very limited exceptions.
  • An officer has a duty to render medical aid and must call Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the subject of a full CEW deployment.

DOWNLOAD OUR CHAPTER 7 FACT SHEET.

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