AIR TASER® DEPLOYMENT
The following is an example of an AIR TASER deployment policy developed in conjunction with
the Chandler, Arizona Police Department. It is not a blanket policy – each department needs to
develop its own policy in light of its own unique circumstances. This document is provided only
as a reference point in aiding the development of a comprehensive set of general orders.
100

Purpose
This order sets forth Chandler Police Department policy regarding deployment of the
AIR TASER®.

200

Information
The AIR TASER® is deployed as an additional police tool and is not intended
to replace firearms or self-defense techniques. The AIR TASER may be used to
control a dangerous or violent subject when deadly physical force does not appear
to be justified and/or necessary; or attempts to subdue the subject by other
conventional tactics have been, or will likely be, ineffective in the situation at
hand; or there is reasonable expectation that it will be unsafe for officers to
approach within contact range of the subject.

300

Procedure
The following provisions are established:
a. AIR TASERs shall be issued to and used only by officers who have
completed the Department's AIR TASER Training Program.
b. To maintain control of equipment, AIR TASERs are assigned to Patrol
Sergeants and issued at the start of each work shift.
c. AIR TASERs shall be issued to each Sergeant on duty or to an AIR TASER
Training Officer.
d. Only properly functioning and charged AIR TASERs shall be issued for field
use. *(The battery checker should only be checked after the cartridge is
removed)
e. All AIR TASERs and associated equipment shall be secured in the Patrol
Equipment Room when not in use.
f. Each discharge, including accidental discharges, of an AIR TASER shall be
investigated and documented utilizing a Non-lethal Control Devices Incident
Report (NCDIR).

D. Field Operations Division Commanding Officer Responsibilities
1. The Field Operations Division Commanding Officer, whose officers are deployed with
AIR TASERs shall:
a. Review each use of an AIR TASER by an officer within the command.
b. Ensure training on non-lethal devices is provided as needed.
(1)

Training - Basic certification for the AIR TASER will be
conducted by a Department AIR TASER Instructor.

c. AIR TASER refresher training will be conducted on a yearly basis by the AIR
TASER Certified Instructor Staff.
E.

Watch Commander Responsibilities
1.

Watch Commanders shall be responsible for ensuring that:
a. Incidents involving ANY discharge of an AIR TASER are investigated and
appropriately documented.
b. Ensure use of the AIR TASER is delegated to an AIR TASER trained officer.
c. Monitor the use of AIR TASERs and related tactics.

F.

Sergeant's Responsibilities
1.

Sergeants shall:
a. Ensure proper procedures are followed when issuing AIR TASERs.
b. Inform Communications of officers’ names with AIR TASER capability.
c. Ensure that when returned at end of watch, ALL AIR TASERs and AIR
CARTRIDGES are accounted for.
d. Ensure that AIR TASERs are returned from field use are in proper working
order and battery checker blinks, prior to re-issuance.
e. Respond EXPEDITIOUSLY to “Code Zebra” requests when assigned.
f. Ensure that officers who use the AIR TASER complete a Non-lethal Control
Devices Incident Report (NCDIR).

g. Investigate EACH incident in which an AIR TASER is fired and review the
incident report and Non-lethal Control Devices Incident Report (NCDIR).
h. Properly protect the AIR TASER from loss or damage.
i. Forward a copy of the incident report and NCDIR to the Community Services
Commander for retention.
G. AIR TASER Control Sergeant
1. The AIR TASER Control Sergeant Shall:
a. Receive, inspect and ensure the maintenance and replacement of AIR TASER
devices assigned to Field Operations.
b. Establish and maintain systems to record issuance of equipment.
c. Establish a rotation system to ensure that AIR TASER devices are
electronically charged before being issued. *(Check battery checker with the
Air Cartridge REMOVED)*
d. Return defective or damaged AIR TASERs and Air Cartridges to the supplier.
e. Obtain service and/or replacement for defective or damaged AIR TASER
components from the supplier.
f. Maintain an adequate supply of Non-lethal Control Devices Incident Reports
(NCDIR) for patrol use.
g. Forward AIR TASER use reports to the Community Services Commander for
review. Copy may also be forwarded to AIR TASER International.
H. Field Officer Responsibilities
1. Officers deployed with an AIR TASER® shall:
a. Upon encountering a situation, which may require the use of an AIR TASER,
request the response of a back-up and a supervisor with an AIR TASER unit.
(CODE ZEBRA)
b. When practical, don't escalate the situation prior to the arrival of a back up
officer and equipped supervisor.
NOTE: The AIR TASER is a sensitive electronic product and costly device, which should be
encased in its protective holster, when not in use. Care should be taken to avoid dropping the
AIR TASER and to assure that it is adequately secured while being transported in vehicles.

Defective AIR TASERs and air cartridges shall be returned to the AIR TASER Control
Sergeant's Office. The faceplate of the AIR TASER Air Cartridge is secured to the Air Cartridge
body. Direct sunlight, heat, or pressing on the faceplate may cause the cover to disengage from
the Air Cartridges. Air Cartridges with loose faceplates should be returned to the AIR TASER
Control Sergeant. Do not place Air Cartridges near static electricity.
Secure the AIR TASER in the police vehicle when its use is not anticipated. The AIR TASER
shall not be routinely carried on the equipment belt.
2. Officers not deployed with AIR TASERs shall:
a. Upon encountering a situation in which it is determined that an AIR TASER may be
required, broadcast a "Code Zebra".
NOTE: The broadcast of a "Code Zebra" will be interpreted by Communications personnel as a
request for AIR TASER equipped supervisor and field units to respond to the location
EXPEDITIOUSLY. If the field situation changes and an AIR TASER is no longer needed at the
scene, a cancellation of the "Code Zebra" shall be broadcast.
3. Officers discharging an AIR TASER shall:
a.

If a supervisor is not present or in route to the scene, request the response of a
supervisor.

b.

If a supervisor is not available, telephonically notify the Watch Commander, as
soon as practical and advise the Watch Commander of the circumstances of the
incident.

c.

Prior to the use of the AIR TASER, if practical, request a FD Unit respond to the
scene.

d.

Persons who have been subjected to the AIR TASER, or the probes, shall be
treated as follows:
(1) Once in custody, the arresting officer shall advise Paramedics or the
Emergency Room Staff that the person has been subjected to the AIR TASER
and relate the approximate time the action occurred. If the probes penetrate
the skin, the puncture sites shall be brought to the attention of the on duty
supervisor, Paramedics or Emergency Room Staff. Only Emergency Room
Staff may remove AIR TASER® probes that are embedded in soft tissue areas
such as the neck, face and groin. Removal from other areas will be at the
discretion of the on- scene supervisor.
(2) After examining the affected person, the Paramedics will make the
determination if the person should or should not be transported to the hospital.

Transportation to a medical facility will be by police transport unless an
ambulance is more appropriate.
(3) If the probes used are no longer impaled in the skin, and the Emergency Room
Physician gives an Emergency Medical Services Release over the radio to the
Paramedics, the subject may be transported to the Detention Facility.
(4) The arresting officer shall obtain a medical release from the Emergency Room
Physician before transporting a subject shot by an AIR TASER subject to a
Detention Facility. This can be obtained from the physician, if the subject has
been treated in the Emergency Room. If the subject has been verbally
released at the scene, via radio, by the Emergency Room Physician through
Paramedics, the arresting officer can obtain a copy of the Paramedics
Emergency Medical Services Release or obtain one from the Emergency
Room Physician.
(5) Officers must be aware that one easily overlooked aspect of injury in shooting
a subject with an AIR TASER is that of falling from a standing position. A
thorough physical examination with particular emphasis on injuries secondary
to the fall should be performed.
e.

Complete a Non-lethal Control Devices Incident Report (NCDIR) and submit
with a copy of the offense report to the AIR TASER Control Sergeant.