GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Rescinds/Amends: New

Distribution: 01

Codified: 4200

Responsibility: 400

References: Advanced Taser M-26 Lesson Plan
Attachments: None

Pages: 6

TITLE: ADVANCED TASER M-26
Approved: _________________________________________ Date: __________________
David P. Turner, Sheriff
Effective: November 1, 2000
4200

ADVANCED TASER M-26

4200.1 PURPOSE.
This procedure sets forth the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office policy regarding deployment of
the M-26 ADVANCED TASER.
4200.2

DISCUSSION.

The M-26 ADVANCED TASER has a dataport. It stores the time and date when it was fired. This
data protects deputies from claims of excessive use of force by providing complete and
accurate documentation of each firing.
The M-26 ADVANCED TASER falls into the category of Less Lethal force technology and
equipment, which is defined as:
Those item which, when used properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical
injury that force commonly referred to as ”deadly”.
Note: Less Lethal Force is defined as a concept of planning and force application which
meets operational objectives, with less potential for causing death or serious
physical injury that conventional police tactics.
The M-26 fires two probes up to a distance of 21 feet from a replaceable ADVANCED Cartridge. If
cartridge breaks open DISCARD by turning in for a new cartridge. Damaged cartridges
will be used for training purposes only. Cartridges have a 5-year shelf life. These probes
are connected to the weapon by high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes make
contact with the target, the M-26 transmits powerful electrical pulses along the wires and
into the body of the target through up to two inches of clothing.
This Electro-Muscular Disruption technology uses a powerful 26-Watt electrical signal to temporarily
override the central nervous system and directly control the skeletal muscles. This causes
an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue, allowing the M-26 to physically
debilitate a target regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus.
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4200.3

POLICY.
The ADVANCED TASER is deployed as an additional law enforcement tool and is not
intended to replace firearms or self-defense techniques. The ADVANCED 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 deputies to approach within contact
range of the subject.
4200.4 PROCEDURE.
1. ADVANCED TASERs shall be issued to and used only by deputies who have
completed the ADVANCED TASER Training Program.
2. Only properly functioning and charged ADVANCED TASERs shall be carried in the
field.
3. Each discharge, including accidental discharges, of an ADVANCED TASER, shall be
investigated and documented utilizing a Supervisor Taser Use Report (STUR).
4. The M-26 is programmed to give a 5-second “electrical current”. The operator can
shorten or extend this time. The probes should not be touched during this time period,
as you would also receive the same “electrical current”. In addition, deputies should
avoid stepping on or tripping over the wires.
5. Never aim the ADVANCED TASER at the eyes or face. It is laser-sighted - the top
probe will follow the front and rear sights and the laser sight’ the bottom probe will
travel at an 8-degree downward angle below the aim point/laser sighted area. The rule
of thumb for the bottom probe is that it drops 1 foot for every 7 feet that it travels.
6. Keep hands away from the front of the unit at all times unless the safety slide is
forward and the ADVANCED TASER is deactivated.
7. Always replace Air Cartridges by their expiration date and use for training only.
8. Do not fire the ADVANCED TASER near flammable liquids and fumes. The
ADVANCED TASER can ignite gasoline or other flammables. Some self-defense
sprays are flammable and would be extremely dangerous to use in conjunction with
the ADVANCED Taser. Do not deploy the ADVANCED TASER in highly
flammable meth labs.
A. Chief Deputy’s Responsibilities
1. Review each use of an ADVANCED TASER by deputies.
2. Ensure training on less-lethal devices is provided as needed.
a. ADVANCED TASER refresher training will be conducted on a yearly basis by members of
the ADVANCED TASER Certified Instructor Staff.
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B. Shift Commander Responsibilities

1. Ensure that incidents involving ANY discharge of an ADVANCED TASER is
investigated and appropriately documented, by completing Supervisor Taser Use Report.
2. Ensure use of the ADVANCED TASER is delegated to a trained deputy.
3. Monitor the use of ADVANCED TASERs and related tactics.
C. Sergeant’s Responsibilities
1. Ensure the batteries of the ADVANCED TASER are properly charged. (Duracell Ultra
alkaline AA batteries or Energizer Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable are only
recommended. When checking the batteries, the Air Cartridge must be removed. A
blinking LED light indicates the batteries are good. Otherwise replace. Duracell Ultra
batteries during the winter need to be above freezing if Duracell Ultras are to be used. If
rechargeable Energizers are used, the batteries must be recharged properly. Note: The
battery indicator will not properly work with rechargeables. Test rechargeables, remove
the Air Cartridge and check for a rapid pulse rate of 12 - 15 pulses per second.)
2. Respond to scenes where the ADVANCED TASER has been deployed.
3. Summon EMS to administer emergency medical care, if needed.
4. Ensure that deputies who use the ADVANCED TASER, complete a statement of
deployment. Use includes presentation, “stun” or discharge. The STUR should be
forwarded to TASER International for it’s National Use of Force database for the Int’l
Assn. Of Chief’s of Police.
5. Investigate each incident in which an ADVANCED TASER is fired or used as a “stun
gun” and review the Incident Report and the deputy’s written statement.
6. Ensure that pictures are taken of the probe penetration sites and any secondary injuries
caused by falling to the ground, etc.
7. Complete a Use of Force Package, and forward to the Chief Deputy.
D. Deputies discharging an ADVANCED TASER shall:
1. Request the response of a supervisor if not enroute or on-scene.
2. Prior to the use of the ADVANCED TASER, if practical, broadcast “Taser Clear”
indicating a use of the ADVANCED TASER is imminent to prevent unintentional
shootings.
3. Persons who have been subjected to the ADVANCED TASER, or the probes, shall be
treated as follows:
a. Once in custody, deputy(s) shall advise the supervisor that the person has been
subjected to the ADVANCE 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 deputy(s) supervisor, who will determine if the deputy can remove
probes.
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b. Do not remove probe if barb shaft is imbedded so deep as to prevent the probe from
hanging loosely. DO NOT REMOVE PROBE. Note: the probes are #8 straightened

fishhooks that can only penetrate a maximum of 1/4 inch. Request EMS to examine
person if probes cannot be removed, because of depth of penetration or hit to head,
groin or women’s breast. Deputies are to wear rubber gloves when removing probes
from skin. Use two-finger method for removing probes. Administer instant sanitizing
gel or spray to each puncture site and a Band-Aid.
c. 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 law enforcement transport unless an ambulance is more appropriate.
d. If the probes used are no longer impaled in the skin, the subject may be released to the
custody of the deputy(s) pending EMS evaluation.
e. The deputy(s) shall obtain medical clearance from the emergency room physician
before transporting a subject shot by an ADVANCED TASER to a detention facility.
This can be obtained from the physician, if the subject has been treated in the
emergency room. If on-scene, the subject must be evaluated by EMS to determine if
released to the deputy(s) is medically appropriate.
f. Deputies must be aware that one easily overlooked aspect of injury in shooting a
subject with an ADVANCED TASER is that of falling from a standing position. An
examination with particular emphasis on secondary injuries should be performed by
the paramedics if on-scene, otherwise by on-scene supervisor.
4. Complete a Use of Force Statement and submit with a copy of the Incident Report.
5. The Air Cartridge and probes used shall be tagged into evidence. Since the probes will
probably have blood on them (biohazard) the deputy(s) shall wear protective latex gloves
when handling. The wires shall be wound around the cartridge. The probes shall be
inverted into the portals they originally were deployed from (this will prevent the sharp
ends from penetrating the envelope). Tape should then be placed over the portals to secure
the probes in the cartridge. Place into an evidence envelope.
a. Collect several AFIDs from the scene and place into to evidence envelope.
6. Tactical Deployment
A. Use common sense.
B. Use verbal commands and point laser sight at subject prior to firing.
C. Prior to the use of ADVANCED TASER, if practical, broadcast “Taser Clear”,
indicating a use of ADVANCED TASER is imminent to prevent unintentional
shootings.
D. Have a second Air Cartridge present or a second M-26 ready to fire in case probes
miss the target, a malfunction or an Air Cartridge is a dud.
E. Required backup/arrest team (depending on situation possibly with lethal force
option).
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F. Aim at center of mass and from rear if possible. Watch for thick and/or loose clothing.
If probes hit clothing, the electrical current can penetrate for a maximum of 2 1/4
inches away from skin.
G. Use cover and distance to ensure the deputy’s safety.
H. Use to avert violent confrontation.
I. If target runs, deputy(s) must run also to prevent wires from breaking.
J. Avoid use on slanted rooftops or on ledge of tall buildings.
NOTE: The ADVANCED 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 ADVANCED TASER and to ensure that it is adequately secured while being
transported in vehicles. Defective ADVANCED TASERS and Air Cartridges shall be returned to
the Chief Deputy. The faceplate of the ADVANCED TASER Air Cartridge is secured to the Air
Cartridge body. Direct sunlight, heat, or pressing on the faceplate may cause the cove to disengage
from the Air Cartridges. Do not place Air Cartridges near static electricity.
E. Use of Force Issues
1. The use of the ADVANCED TASER constitutes a Use of Force.
2. The ADVANCED TASER is placed on the Use of Force Continuum at the Baton level.
3. The ADVANCED TASER may be used up to 21 feet when:
a. The suspect is punching or kicking, or
b. Threatening to punch or kick, or
c. Lesser force options are ineffective, or
d. Likely to be effective, or
e. The deputy reasonably believes the suspect poses a credible threat, or
f. The suspect poses a threat from a distance and the deputy is at risk of injury if he/she
attempts to close the gap.
g. Other considerations on deployment are:
1. Imminent threat to deputies and/or others.
2. Suspect actively resisting arrest (detention).
3. Circumstances are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving.
4. Severity of the crime at issue.
5. Attempting to evade by flight.
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h. Deputy/Subject Factors that may be considered:
1. Age
2. Sex
3. Pregnancy (avoid use if possible on late term women as the ADVANCED
TASER could cause complications from a secondary injury fall/and contractions.
4. Skill level
5. Multiple Subjects/Deputies
6. Relative strength
i.

Special circumstances:
1. Closeness of a weapon
2. Injury or exhaustion of deputy
3. Deputy on ground
4. Distance between deputy and subject
5. Special knowledge
6. Availability of other options

4200.5

Glossary
ADVANCED TASER M-26 User Certification - 80% passing grade for the final
examination. Course instructed by DGG ADVANCED TASER Certified Instructor.
EMD - Defined as Elector-Muscular Disruption

4200.6

Indexing. This directive shall be indexed as:
ADVANCED TASER M-26
TASER
M-26

4200.7

Attachments.

None

______________________________________________________________________________
HLM
11-00
Filed: ADVANCED TASER M-26 4200

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