PROPOSED TASER POLICY – INITIAL DRAFT
HENNEPIN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Purpose
The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide HCMC Protection Officers with
guidelines for use of the M26 TASER through techniques which are designed to allow
them to defend themselves against physically aggressive subjects or to compel
uncooperative subjects to obey a legal order.
Policy
The provisions of this policy are intended to be used within the guidelines established in
the HCMC Public Safety Department Use of Force Policy and will be applicable to all
members of the HCMC Public Safety Staff while on duty and engaged in their official
duties.
Definitions
M26 TASER – The M26 Advanced TASER manufactured by TASER International.
The M26 is constructed of a high impact sonic welded polymer. It utilizes a 26-watt
system and deploys 2 probes at the intended subject.
EMD – Electro-muscular Disruption (EMD) is a direct involuntary contraction of the
muscles that disrupts neuro-motor control.
Data Port – The M26 has a data port located on the back of the unit. This data port will
be used to recover specific usage information that is saved everytime the M26 is
deployed. This data ensures accuracy in incident documentation.
AFID – AFID (Anti Felony Identification Device) Every time an M26 cartridge is
deployed, 40 small confetti-like ID tags called AFIDs are ejected. Each AFID contains
the serial number of the cartridge deployed allowing staff to identify which officer
deployed the cartridge.
Cartridge – The M26 cartridge is a single use item that is identified by a serial number.
The serial number of cartridges assigned to each officer will be recorded. The cartridge
is tamper resistant and is sealed with the AFID system in place.

Approved Equipment and Training
1. An M26 and at least one replacement cartridge will be issued to and used only by officers
who have successfully completed the Department’s M26 Certification Training Program.
2. HCMC Officers will receive Re-Certification training in the use of the M26 on an annual
basis.
3. Officers will carry only properly functioning and charged M26s.
4. Officers will only carry the M26 and replacement cartridge(s) that is issued to them by
serial number, unless a supervisor issues a replacement M26 or cartridge to the officer
with the serial number recorded.
5. Officers will carry the M26 in a holster that is approved by HCMC Public Safety
management.
6. Officers will carry the M26 replacement cartridges only in a holder that is approved by
HCMC Public Safety management.
Maintenance and Care of Equipment
1. Officers will check the M26 before the start of each shift to ensure the unit is properly
charged. Officers will immediately advise a supervisor or M26 trainer if the battery is
low.
2. Officers will check the M26 case and cartridge before the start of each shift for any
damage. Officers will immediately advise a supervisor or M26 trainer if they discover
damage.
3. Officers will ensure that the cartridge doors are free of debris, and that the cartridge has
not expired.
4. Officers will not write on or adhere anything (i.e. stickers, tape, etc.) to the M26 or
cartridge.
5. Officers must carry the M26 with the safety in the “safe” position.

Use of the M26
1. Each discharge of an M26, including accidental, must be documented utilizing a TASER
Usage Report Form and a Use of Force Report.
2. The M26 is programmed to deliver a 5-second EMD current. The officer can shorten or
extend this time. Officers should not touch the probes during this period to avoid
receiving the same EMD current. In addition, officers should avoid stepping on or
tripping over the wires.
3. Never aim the M26 at the eyes or face. It is laser-sighted so that the top probe will follow
both the front/rear and laser sight; the bottom probe will travel at an 8-degree downward
angle below the front/rear or laser sighted area. The rule of thumb for the bottom probe
is that it drops 1 foot for every 7 feet that it travels.
4. Keep hands away from the front of the unit at all times unless the safety slide is in the
“safe” position and the M26 is deactivated.

5. Always replace M26 Cartridges before their expiration date. All expired cartridges will be
turn in to a supervisor.
6. The M26 deploys two probes from a replaceable Cartridge a distance up to 21 feet. These
probes are connected to the M26 by insulated wires. When the probes make contact with
the subject, the M26 transmits EMD pulses along the wires and into the body through up
to three inches of clothing.
7. M26s are designed to restrain violent individuals, where alternative restraint tactics have
been or are reasonably likely to fail, and/or where it would be unsafe for officers to
approach the subject.
Use of Force Issues
1. The use of the M26 constitutes a Use of Force.
2. The M26 is placed on the Use of Force Continuum at the same level of force as Oleoresin
Capsicum Solution.
3. An officer may draw and discharge the M26 on a subject when the officer reasonably
believes that the subject is threatening the officer or a third party with bodily harm; and
the officer reasonably believes that the subject possesses the ability or apparent ability
and opportunity to carry out that threat
4. Other considerations for deployment of the M26 are:
a. Imminent threat to officers and/or others.
b. Severity of the incident at issue.
c. The totality of the circumstances
5. The M26 will NOT be used:
a. In cases of passive resistance unless the totality of circumstances warrants
that a lesser level of force would be ineffective; or attempting to use a
lesser level of force may jeopardize the safety of the subject and/or others:
b. To threaten or attempt to gain information from a person.
c. Against a person already restrained unless physical aggression has to be
overcome.
d. To wake a person up.
e. As a “Prod”.
f. As a form of punishment
6. Do not fire the M26 near flammable liquids and/or fumes.
7. No officer will playfully, maliciously, or intentionally misuse the M26 in a display of
power against an individual, except to counter an imminent threat. Violation of this
policy will result in disciplinary action.

Reporting Procedures
1. Officers will immediately contact the supervisor and advise them that they have
discharged the M26, even if the discharge was accidental.
2. Officers will write a report documenting the events leading up to the use of the M26.
3. Officers will fill out a Use of Force report, along with a TASER Usage Report Form.
4. In compliance with HCMC Quality Assurance programs and ongoing medical evaluation,
officers will fill out any form given to them by an Emergency Room staff physician for
documentation.
5. Officers will secure the spent cartridge, complete with the wires, and probes into a bag
that is clearly labeled for evidence. The bagged cartridge will then be given a HCMC
Public Safety supervisor.
Medical Attention
After the M26 has been discharged on a subject:
1. Officers will immediately contact the charge nurse and advise them that a monitored bed
is needed for a person that has been affected by the M26.
2. Only Emergency Room Personnel will remove M26 probes that have punctured the skin
of a subject.
3. Officers will comply with Hennepin County Medical Center’s Emergency Department’s
standing orders for the treatment of a person affected by an M26.
4. Officers will ensure that the staff physician is advised that the subject was affected by the
M26.
5. Officers will make sure that the subject is in restraints, or otherwise controlled, and not
leave the area until advised by the staff doctor.