REVISION DATE 12/21/00 FOR ADVANCED TASER - SECTION 1.3
ADVANCED TASER
1.3.4 The Advanced TASER is a conducted energy weapon; an electronic incapacitation
device. It is a device, which is listed in the force continuum at the same level as O.C. spray after
escort/touch control. The Advanced TASER functions in two ways:
A)

It uses compressed nitrogen to project two probes a maximum of 21 feet. An
electrical signal is then sent to the probes, via small wires, which disrupt the body’s
ability to communicate messages from the brain to the muscles and causes motor
skill dysfunction.

B)

Acts as a touch stun system when brought into immediate contact with a person’s
body.

1.3.5 The decision to use the Advanced TASER is based on the same criteria an
officer uses when selecting to deploy O.C. spray, or counter-joint tactics. The
decision must be made dependent on the actions of the subject(s) or threat facing the
officer(s), and the totality of the circumstances surrounding the incident. In any
event, the use of the Advanced TASER must be reasonable and necessary.
1.3.6
The Advanced TASER is not meant to be used in deadly force situations. If the situation
permits, it is recommended to have a second officer available when the TASER is deployed.
1.3.7
The Advanced TASER provides a force option in which the officer does not have to get
dangerously close to a threat before deploying the tool. Using the Advanced TASER may greatly
reduce the need for other types of physical force by the officer(s) resulting in serious or potential
deadly injury to the offender, officer, or others present.
1.3.8
Any use of an electronic incapacitation device contrary to the direction of this policy can
result in the revocation of the officer’s privilege to use such a product and may subject the officer to
disciplinary action.

ISSUING THE ADVANCED TASER
1.3.9
Department personnel should only carry and use Advanced TASERs or electrical
incapacitation devices approved by the Chief of Police. Members may only use department issued
Advanced TASER cartridges. A record of cartridge serial numbers provided with each device will be
maintained in a log book, which will be kept with the weapon at all times. The logbooks will be
audited at least once a year by the department Advanced TASER Instructor.
1.3.10 Department issued Advanced TASER may be assigned to patrol and specialty units. Other
members of the department may have an Advanced TASER assigned to them as deemed necessary by
their division captain, or the Chief of Police.

REVISION DATE 3/22/01 for SECTION 1.3.11 Only
1.3.11 Department members who have successfully completed the four-hour user
course and pass subsequent annual re-certification programs have the option to
purchase and carry their own TASER. Final approval to carry a personally owned
TASER for duty use shall be determined by the Chief of Police following a

request through the chain of command. Department members carrying their own
TASER will be issued three 21-foot cartridges and a logbook. Department
members carrying their own TASER will maintain their logbook in the same
manner as those issued with every Department TASER. Department members
carrying their own TASER will comply with all sections of the department policy
regarding TASERs and Use of Force. Personally owned TASERs and logbooks
will be audited at the same interval as department TASERs and logbooks.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
1.3.12 All members who carry and or use an Advanced TASER must first successfully complete a
four-hour Advanced TASER User Course, to include written and practical tests. Re-familiarization
programs will also be completed annually.

USE OF THE ADVANCED TASER
1.3.13 The Advanced TASER is not a substitute for deadly force and should not be used in those
situations. Deployment of the Advanced TASER should be backed up with the availability of lethal
force. The Advanced TASER may be used in situations where:
A)

A subject is threatening himself, an officer, or another person with physical force
and other means of controlling the subject are unreasonable or could cause injury to
the officer(s), the subject(s) or others.

B)

In cases where officer/subject factors indicate the officer(s), offender(s), or others
would be endangered by the use of physical force.

C)

Other means of lesser or equal force have been ineffective and the threat still exists
to the officer(s), subject(s), and others.

1.3.14 The Advanced TASER will never be used punitively or for the purpose of coercion. It is
to be used as a way of averting a potentially injurious or dangerous situation. The Advanced TASER has
an effective range of 3 to 13 feet, with a 15-foot cartridge; and 3 – 19 feet with a 21-foot cartridge. Range
fewer than 3 feet may not provide adequate distribution of the probes to allow the unit to function properly.
1.3.15 The Advanced TASER has the ability to ignite flammable liquids. It will not be deployed at
subjects who have come in contact with flammables or in environments where flammables are
obviously present.
1.3.16

Proper consideration and care should be taken when deploying the Advanced TASER on
subjects who are in an elevated position or in other circumstances where a fall may cause
substantial injury or death. Officers must be prepared to justify such a deployment.

DUTIES AFTER DEPLOYMENT
1.3.17 Immediate action should be taken to care for the injured, to apprehend any suspects, and to
protect the scene. Once the subject is restrained or has complied, the TASER should be turned off.
The following considerations and actions when applicable will be addressed after deployment:
A)

An Advanced TASER will not be left unattended except in exigent circumstances
as when an officer is forced to act alone in taking custody of an immediate threat.

B)

Medical personnel will be summoned to the scene to assess the subject. If the exam
or other circumstances dictate the subject needs further medical treatment, the
subject will be transported to the nearest medical facility. Medical treatment will
not be denied for anyone who requests it.

C)

Medical personnel will remove probes impacted in sensitive areas such as the face,
neck, groin, or breast.

D)

Officers may remove probes from other areas not designated as sensitive. Officers
will provide for first aid if necessary.

E)

Photographs will be taken of probe impact sites and any other related injuries.

F)

Probes removed from the skin will be handled as biohazard. They should be placed
point down into the expended cartridge bores, secured with tape and entered into
evidence.

G)

Officers will attempt to locate the yellow, pink and clear colored “micro dots”
dispersed at the time of the cartridge firing. These will be collected and placed into
evidence with any expended cartridges.

H)

The deploying officer(s) will complete an Advanced TASER Use Report. All
Advanced TASER Use Reports will be routed through the Advanced TASER
Instructor to the Patrol Lieutenant.

I)

Book the offender into jail or take other appropriate action. Jail personnel shall be
informed the subject was controlled by use of an Advanced TASER.

J)

The Lead Advanced TASER Instructor will conduct a TASER dataport download
as soon as practicable after each use-of-force application. This information will be
attached to the Advanced TASER Use Report.