- ACLU of Arizona

TASER INTERNATIONAL TRAINING MATERIAL LICENSE AGREEMENT
This TASER® Training Course and the accompanying written materials ( TASER Training Materials ) are copyrighted materials of TASER
International, Inc. ( TASER ) and are protected by U.S. Copyright laws. In consideration of and as a condition for the use of the TASER Training
Materials, you ( Licensee ) agree to the following license terms and conditions. Your use of the copyrighted TASER Training Materials
constitutes your agreement to the following license terms and conditions. If you do not agree with the following license terms and conditions, you
must immediately cease use of the TASER Training Materials and return all TASER Training Materials to TASER.
LICENSE GRANT TASER grants to the LICENSEE, the nonexclusive, nontransferable, non-assignable, royalty free, non-divisible, and personal right
and license to use and modify the TASER Training Materials for the purpose of instructing LICENSEE S personnel and developing LICENSEE S
own electronic control device training program and for no other purpose. LICENSEE shall have the right to copy and use the TASER Training
Materials solely for its own use at its own training classes, but specifically agrees not to provide copies to personnel or agents of manufacturers,
distributors, or trainers of non-TASER electronic control devices. LICENSEE is not granted and shall be prohibited from granting any sublicenses
to the TASER Training Materials. LICENSEE shall be required to use any and all TASER Training Materials that cover TASER device operation,
safety and warnings in LICENSEE S training materials and training classes.
TERM This AGREEMENT shall continue in full force for a period of one year and shall be automatically renewed for an additional period of one year,
and thereafter for additional one year periods, unless either party gives prior written notice of termination at which time this license shall terminate
immediately upon receipt of such notice.
TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS LICENSEE shall have a nonexclusive right to use during the term of this AGREEMENT, TASER S trademarks as
part of the identification of the TASER device provided LICENSEE properly uses and designates TASER trademarks. LICENSEE agrees to affix
LICENSOR S copyright notice on all TASER Training Materials used by LICENSEE.
RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION LICENSEE, its agents and employees release TASER, its agents, employees and directors from any and all
liability, claims and litigation associated with or arising from LICENCEE S use of the TASER Training Materials in any version. In the event that
LICENSEE is in breach of this Agreement, uses or presents derivative training materials, or it is alleged that Licensee was negligent in
conducting a training class, LICENSEE shall indemnify and hold TASER harmless from any and all liability, claims and litigation asserted against
TASER associated with or arising from such acts or conduct.
CERTIFICATION LICENSEE shall not designate any student in any of its training classes as being a TASER certified user unless the class is being
taught by a TASER certified instructor and the TASER Training Materials designated for a TASER user course are being used in their entirety or
the exact same content is being presented in its entirety in LICENSEE S training materials in compliance with this AGREEMENT, and all other
minimum certification requirements of the user course are met.
VOLUNTEER EXPOSURE LICENSEE understands that TASER does not require a TASER exposure for instructor or user certification. Any person
who volunteers to experience a TASER exposure must sign a TASER Volunteer Release Form prior to exposure. LICENSEE is responsible for
ensuring that all forms are properly filled out and signed for each volunteer, for keeping the original forms, and faxing a copy of this release form
to TASER at the fax number listed below.
WARRANTIES THE TASER TRAINING MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OF
ANY KIND, AND TASER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
MERCHANTABILITY.
LIMITATION OF REMEDY IN NO EVENT WILL TASER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR
OTHERWISE, EVEN IF TASER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR IF SUCH DAMAGE COULD HAVE
BEEN REASONABLY FORESEEN, AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED HEREIN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW FOR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
RELATIONSHIP Neither the making of this AGREEMENT nor the performance of the provisions hereof shall be construed to make any person of
either party or agent, employee, or legal representative of the other party for any purpose, and this AGREEMENT shall not be deemed to
establish a joint venture or partnership, and none of the parties hereto shall have any right or authority to create any obligation, warranty,
representation, or responsibility, expressed or implied, on behalf of the other party in any manner whatsoever.
SOLE AGREEMENT This AGREEMENT constitutes the entire agreement between the parties as to the subject matter hereunder and merges all prior
discussions between them.
GOVERNING LAW The terms of this AGREEMENT shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Arizona.
INSTRUCTOR: FAX ALL RELEASE FORMS TO (480) 502-6202
TASER X26 User Course
Version 16 Released November 2009
EVERY STUDENT MUST FULLY READ THE
TASER SAFETY RULES AND READ AND
SIGN THE LIABILITY RELEASE FORM PRIOR
TO BEGINNING THE CLASS.
INSTRUCTOR: FAX ALL RELEASE FORMS TO
(480) 502-6202
Safety Rules
•  The safety switch of all TASER devices will
remain in the down (SAFE) position unless
the instructor directs students to arm the
device or when it is appropriate to do so
during a training scenario
•  TASER devices shall not be pointed at any
person unless the instructor directs students
to do so as part of a training exercise or
when it is appropriate to do so during a
training scenario
Safety Rules
•  A TASER device loaded with a live cartridge
shall not be pointed at another person
except during a scenario exercise when the
cartridge is an LS (blue) training cartridge
and the subject being aimed at is wearing a
protective simulation suit
•  Lasers shall not be shined into anyone s
eyes
•  Probes will be removed according to proper
protocol
Safety Rules
•  No live firearms will be brought into the
training area
•  All activity will stop when any student or
instructor calls, Stop action!
•  Every participant is a safety officer. All
unsafe conditions will be immediately
brought to the attention of the instructor. If
an unsafe condition occurs or is noticed
during an exercise, the student or instructor
observing the unsafe condition shall call,
Stop action!
Are TASER Devices Risk Free?
No.
At this time, review all TASER Warnings
contained in the instructor manual
Goal
To provide the theory and practical
training necessary to safely and
effectively operate the TASER® X26
electronic control device (ECD)
Technology Overview
Definitions
Electronic Control Devices (ECD) use propelled
wires or direct contact to conduct energy to affect the
sensory and motor functions of the nervous system.
The TASER X26 is an Electronic Control Device
manufactured by TASER International, lnc.
Technology
Illustrative Example
Nerve impulse
TASER impulse
•  The human nervous system communicates with simple
electrical impulses
•  TASER technology uses similar electrical impulses to
cause stimulation of the nerves that control movement
Nervous System
Stun vs. Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation (NMI)
Central Nervous System
Command center (brain and spinal cord)
processes information and makes decisions
Sensory Nervous System
Nerves that carry information from the body to
the brain. Touch, temperature, etc.
Stun systems effect these nerves
Motor Nervous System
Nerves that carry commands from the brain to
the muscles to control movement
NMI systems affect BOTH the sensory and
motor nerves
Stun to NMI
•  STUN systems: 1st and 2nd generation ECDs
generate electrical noise that the sensory
nervous system interprets as pain or
discomfort but does not cause incapacitation:
pain compliance.
•  NMI systems: 3rd and 4th generation ECDs
stimulate the peripheral nervous system by
causing direct stimulation of motor nerves
contracting muscles. The M26, X26 and X3
affect both the sensory AND motor nervous
systems: incapacitation.
Stun vs. NMI
This video was filmed prior to current demonstration safety procedures.
Warning: Follow demonstration safety procedures.
Pain to Incapacitation
•  All previous less-lethal weapons have worked
on pain compliance that can be overcome by
drugs, alcohol, emotionally disturbed persons
(EDPs), or by focused, combative individuals.
•  The X26, X3 and M26 ECDs do not solely rely on
pain to achieve compliance. They affect the
sensory and motor functions of the nervous
system and can cause incapacitation.
Electrical
What is Electricity?
•  Electricity is the flow of electrons
through a conductor
Unit
Water Analogy
Water Unit
Voltage (V)
Volt
Pressure
lbs / in2
Current (I)
Ampere
Flow Rate
Gal / Second
Electric Units
volts
Charge
Charge: Total # of electrons per pulse
Current (amperes) A :
second
Voltage (volts) V :
Flow -total electrons per
Pressure pushing electrons
Energy (joules) J : Energy in single pulse
Power (watts) W : Energy per second (sum of
pulses)
TASER: Low Average
Current
Electricity
•  Electricity must be able to flow between the
probes or the electrodes
•  Electricity follows the path of least resistance
between the probes
•  The greater the spread between the probes
on the target, the greater the effectiveness
Electricity
•  Electricity will not pass to others in contact
with the subject unless contact is made
directly between or on the probes
•  Electricity can arc through clothing, even
some bullet resistant materials
•  Exposure to water will not cause
electrocution or increase the power to the
subject (the electrical charge is fixed inside
the TASER device, and will not significantly
increase even with environmental changes)
Arcing Through Clothing
•  One probe can arc through 2 cumulative inches
of clothing or 1 inch of clothing per probe
Common Effects of NMI
•  Subject can fall immediately to the ground
•  Yell or scream
•  Involuntary muscle contractions
•  Subject may freeze in place with legs
locked
•  Subject may feel dazed for several
seconds/minutes
•  Potential vertigo
•  Temporary tingling sensation
•  May experience critical stress amnesia
•  May not remember any pain
Common Concerns
•  Don t cause electrocution in a wet environment
•  Generally don t cause urination* or defecation
•  Preliminary animal tests delivering TASER current
to the abdomens of 2 pregnant pigs caused no
adverse effect on fetuses. However, these results
are preliminary and should not be considered
conclusive. Pregnant females are at elevated risks
from falling, muscle contractions, stress, and other
factors. For these and other health considerations,
it advisable to avoid deployment of the TASER
device on pregnant females whenever practicable.
Probe Removal
Probe Removal Policy
Considerations
Each Agency Will Establish its Own Policy on Probe Removal
•  May officers remove probes generally?
•  Who removes probes from sensitive areas
(neck, face, throat, groin, breast)?
•  Proper handling of removed probes
•  Photographing impact sites
•  Medical follow-up
Considerations for
Handling Used Probes
Each agency will establish its own procedure
for probe collection
•  Treat probes that have penetrated the body as
contaminated needles (use gloves)
•  Grab probe firmly and quickly pull (pluck) straight
out
•  Carefully place used probes sharp-tip first into
either a sharps container or into the cartridge side
wire pocket container, secure in place, and place in
a secure location where no one will accidentally
touch probes (even after training exercises)
Probe Removal
Voluntary Exposures
Voluntary Exposures
•  Voluntary exposures to TASER devices
should only be conducted by a certified
TASER Instructor.
•  TASER Int l does not require an
exposure for instructor or user
certification. Each agency must make
this determination.
•  Group exposures are not
recommended.
Volunteer Exposure
•  Exposure to NMI involves physical exertion
similar to an athletic activity, e.g. weight
lifting or wrestling. Risks of injury from
physical exertion or falling, while low, are
not zero
•  Notify instructor of any pre-existing injuries,
medical conditions, or susceptibilities
•  All volunteers must review the TASER
warnings and complete the liability waiver
form prior to the exposure
Volunteer Exposure
Benefits
Risks
•  Officers can better
understand the effects of
the device
•  Risks of training injuries
(see full warnings)
–  For deployment
–  Confidence to go
hands-on with a subject
without receiving shock
–  Self-defense
–  Court expertise
–  Secondary exposures
Voluntary Exposure Guidelines
•  If probes are fired in lieu of attaching spent wires or
alligator clips, then eye protection is required for both
the spotter and the student being exposed.
•  All persons volunteering for a TASER Exposure shall
either be supported by two spotters so they don t fall,
or placed face down on the mat prior to exposure.
•  Each spotter should hold an upper arm of the
standing volunteer under the armpit, so that the
person can be safely supported and lowered to the
ground after being hit without twisting, rotating, or
putting undue stress on the arm or shoulder.
•  Provided that no probes are attached to the person s
arms, there should be no electrical pulses flowing into
the spotters and they can safely support the person
being hit without any negative impact.
•  Probes should be deployed from behind the volunteer
(avoid face, throat, genitals).
Voluntary Exposure
WARM-UP
•  Prior to taking an exposure,
volunteers should stretch and warmup as you would before exercising.
•  Back
•  Shoulders
•  Legs
•  Torso
Volunteer Safety Requirements
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Proper matting
Clear area of bystanders and objects
Make area safe
Careful probe removal using proper protocol
Subjects with pre-existing conditions should avoid
exposure to injured areas (e.g. someone with a
back injury should avoid TASER stimulation to the
large muscles of the back)
WARNING: FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES
INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY.
Voluntary Exposure
Training Guidelines
•  Utilize probe hits to allow students to
remove probes
•  Target different parts of the body to
show different effects
•  Demonstrate one probe hit with drive
stun follow up
•  Demonstrate difference between probe
hits and drive stun
Spotters
Voluntary Exposures
•  After demonstrating the following
exposures, remaining hits should be face
down to leg.
Back shot
Leg Hit
Clothing Disconnect
Small Spread
Hitting Items in Pockets
Hit Remainder of Volunteers
Laying Down
Weapons Safety
Assume Device is Loaded. Always assume
that a TASER device is loaded.
Do Not Touch Trigger Until Ready to Use.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are
on target and ready to fire.
Keep Body Parts Away From Front. Keep
your hands and body parts away from the
front of the TASER cartridge.
Avoid Static Electricity Discharge. Avoid
contact between static electricity and the
TASER cartridge since static electricity can
cause unexpected discharge and injury.
TASER X26
Constructed of impact resistant sonic welded polymer. Mass = 7 ounces.
TASER Cartridge
Front Sight
Blast Door
Illumination Selector
Serial Number plate
Rear Sight
Wire
Probes
CID
Safety
Switch
AFIDs
DPM Release button
Trigger
Laser Sight
LIL: Low Intensity Lights
(LED)
Blast Door
DPM
Stainless Steel
Shock plate
ShapedBlunt
PulsePulse
Shaped
Pulse
Traditional
™
™
Arc Phase
Stim Phase
Full Energy Penetration
High
Energy,Loss
Brute Force Approach
90% Energy
Pulse Impact Comparison
(15 second arc to skin)
X26: Ambidextrous Safety
•  Safety Switch
Down (SAFE)
•  Safety Switch Up
–  (ARMED) Activates
CID and selected
illumination
X26: Ambidextrous Safety
•  The ambidextrous safety switches work
together
•  Do not block the safety switch on one side of
the X26 while attempting to move it on the
other side.
– This can break the safety switch and
disable the device.
X26: Digital Pulse Controller
(DPC)
•  Digitally controls pulse
rate
•  Consistent performance
•  5-second burst
•  19 Pulses per second
CID display for X26
•  05..09..03--05..07..07..18..22--27—22
•  (First 3 numbers) Warranty expiration
yr-mo-day (As of May 11 2009 warranty
expiration does not show on CID and will display
three sets of 00
•  -- (separator)
•  (Next 5 numbers) Yr-Mo-Day-24hr-Mn (GMT)
•  -- (separator)
•  (9th number) Temp in Celsius
•  -- (separator)
•  (last number) Software revision
•  Unit will display battery percentage for
approximately five seconds when in fire mode,
then will display two illuminated dots.
CID countdown
•  Counts down
the cycle
•  05,04,03,02,IIII,
00 (with version
20 or newer
software)
Click video to start
Illumination Button
•  Use finger to hold the illumination button down for
approximately two seconds to bring up display (Do not use
objects like pens, paper clips or kinves as this can result
in switch breakage or the switch could get stuck)
•  LO- Laser Only Mode
•  OF- Flashlight Only Mode
•  LF-Laser/Flashlight Mode
•  OO- Stealth Mode (no light/no laser and CID is dim)
Illumination Display
Click video to start X26: Important Tips
•  System date & time is always GMT
–  When you insert DPM for system boot up, it will display GMT time
and date
–  X26 download software will compensate based on computer time
zone settings
•  System sleeps after being armed for 20 minutes
–  Helps avoid accidental battery depletion
–  Cycle safety switch to reactivate after 20 minutes as CID screen
will go blank AND X26 WILL NOT FIRE. Re-arm required by
flipping safety switch down and then flipping back up.
–  THIS INCLUDES AN X26 WITH TASER CAM INSTALLED
•  The TASER CAM will stop recording when the X26 goes into
SLEEP mode (20 minutes)
•  It will start recording when the X26 is reactivated
•  X26 MUST BE STORED WITH DPM INSTALLED!
X26 Batteries: DPM/XDPM
•  2 x 3 volt lithium energy cells
•  Provides up to 195 – 5 second cycles at
room temperature
X26 Batteries: Digital
Memory
•  Digital memory stored in DPM contains
percentage value of remaining battery life
•  X26 interprets and displays this value on CID
X26 Batteries: Replacement
•  Replace DPM when percent remaining
is < 20%
•  Use for training until 1% remaining
Duty Use
99-20
Training
Training
19-01
19-01
Replace &
Dispose
X26 Batteries: Cautions
•  X26 must be stored with DPM/XDPM
inserted at all times
–  Failure to do so may result in loss of time and
date settings, software corruption, and/or X26
failure
–  This also applies to sending in an X26 to TASER
International for repairs or replacement
•  If DPM/XDPM is left out for an extended
period of time…
–  Software configurations in the X26 may be
corrupted and date/time will be reset
•  Refer to online troubleshooting guide
X26 Batteries: Upgrading
•  Caution: When a DPM/XDPM is replaced
with a battery that contains a newer version
of software, a programming upgrade will
occur
•  A P is displayed in CID during upgrade
process
–  Process takes approximately 45 seconds V-20
or older. V-21 programming takes 10-12, V22
(released March 2009) takes 6-8 seconds to
upgrade.
–  During this time X26 should not be activated!
X26 Batteries: Upgrading
•  After programming has completed, X26 will
start boot up sequence
•  Caution: Removal of DPM/XDPM or
activating the X26 during "P" state in the
initial boot-up WILL corrupt the X26
– CID will display a code of E , H or will
be blank and the X26 must be returned to
the factory
DPM/XDPM & TASER CAM™
Gaskets
• Keeps debris out
• Must be inserted firmly
Spark Test
•  A daily spark test should be conducted once every
24 hours or prior to the start of your shift for
individually issued X26.
•  One spark (1/19th of a second) is adequate.
However, this is not a practical duration. As long as
the officer sees a visible spark between the
electrodes, it is not necessary to extend the
duration. In most cases, less than one second.
•  The reason for the spark test is:
-  To verify the TASER device is working.
-  To verify that the batteries are performing and are
adequately charged.
-  There are components in the high voltage section of the
X26 that are more reliable when energized
( conditioned ) on a regular basis.
Dataport
Connection Kits Sold Separately
•  X26 USB Dataport
–  Time, date, duration,
temp, battery status of
each firing (last 1,500)
–  Connection protected
inside DPM slot
–  Encrypted data files
–  Date range downloads
–  USB plug & play
Download: X26
Discharge M26 in stun mode prior to download to confirm
current time as relative point of reference
EVIDENCE.COM-Lite
Cartridges
15 ft.
(4.6 meters)
Solid Yellow Door
Live Cartridge Regular Probe
21 ft.
(6.4 meters)
Silver Door
Live Cartridge Regular Probe
XP 25 ft.
(7.6 meters)
Green Door
Live Cartridge XP Probe
LS 21 ft.
(6.4 meters)
Blue Cartridge Blue Doors
Short Probe
LS Cartridge Improvement
Released June 2006
LS cartridge has nonconductive electrodes to allow firing the cartridge and
allowing drive-stuns during simulation training. They are recognizable by
the blue plastic electrodes and white wedges
15, 21, LS & XP25 TASER
Cartridges
The top probe is horizontal in relativity to
device
Bottom probe- 8 degrees down
TASER Cartridge Probe Spread
For 15, 21 & 25 Foot Cartridges
•  Rule of thumb: ~1 foot (.3 m) spread for
every 7 feet (2.1 m) of travel
(m)
.6m
Target Distance (ft)
Spread (in)
2′
4″
(cm)
10cm
1.5m
2.1m
3m
4.5m
6.4m
7.6m
5'
9"
7'
13"
10'
18"
15′
26"
21′
36″
25′
38″
23cm
33cm
46cm
66cm
91cm
109cm
XP 35 ft
Special Duty
(10.67 meters)
Orange Door
Live Cartridge
XP Probe
XP35 TASER Cartridge
Principles of Operation for XP35
•  Long range chamber with top dart bore
pointing up 1° in relation to the device.
Bottom dart bore is positioned 4° down from
top dart bore.
•  This was done for purpose of decreasing
drop and spread amount in long distance
shots
•  This chamber is used for the XP35 cartridge
in conjunction with a long range cassette
case that is not reversible. It has raised
orange arrows printed on the side of the
cartridge that is inserted towards the top of
the device.
Probe Trajectory
For XP35 Special Duty Cartridge
TASER Cartridge Safety
•  Cartridges are deployed by electrical
discharge
•  Unexpected deployments can be
caused by static electricity
•  Keep hands away from the front of
cartridges
•  Don t inadvertently point cartridges at
yourself or at anyone else
Hand In Front of TASER
Cartridge During Firing
TASER Cartridge Covers
TASER Cartridge Covers
•  On all cartridges for safe shipping
•  Cartridges cannot be loaded onto a
TASER device with the cover in place
•  Covers should be removed prior to being
taken into the field
Cartridge Cover Removal
Pull out the sides of the
Cartridge Cover with
index and middle fingers
Push up on Cartridge
with thumbs
TASER Cartridge Probe
Assembly
Wires
• Steel with insulated coating
• Can break easily if stepped on or
pulled
• Inadvertent contact with wires or the
probe during discharge can result in
electrical shock
Wires
• TASER operator should advise
officers to avoid wires during arrest
for wire integrity
• Avoid crossing wires when multiple
TASER devices are deployed
Weapon Management
• AFID ID Tags
Cannot
Discharge
Can Discharge
(but not reliably)
Radio Interference
• Interference from other
electronic devices
• Keep TASER safety switch
down(SAFE)
• Keep more than a few inches
away from radio when
transmitting
Agency Policy Considerations
Use-of-Force Policy
The TASER Device is not a substitute for lethal force
Each agency is responsible for creating their
own use-of-force policy and determining how
TASER devices fit into their use-of-force matrix
based on legal and community standards.
Make sure your agency has a use-of-force policy
that addresses TASER device use and that
this policy is clearly addressed during enduser training.
Go to ecdlaw.info for sample policies
Holster: Pro s & Cons
Support Side Carry Dominant Side
Carry
+ Lower Risk of Drawing Wrong
Weapon Under Stress
+ Weapon Retention
+ Hip crossdraw = Faster
Engagement on Target
+ Easier ID as an ECD Weapon
By Other Officers
- Higher risk of weapon
confusion
- Weapon retention issues,
depending on DT training
Three known incidents of
shootings by mistaken weapon
Refer to your department s tactical experts to make your own
policy on how to carry, holster, and deploy the TASER X26 or M26
Flammability
TASER device can ignite explosive
materials, liquids, or vapors
Gasoline, sewer gases, meth labs,
flammable personal defense sprays
Flammability
OC / TASER Testing
•  OC: Flammable agents used for propulsion and to lower
freezing point
–  Some alcohol, oil based
–  Some water based
–  Formulas unknown
•  Some formulas can ignite and cause flame when applied
proximal to TASER device.
•  Scenario based testing
–  Conductive mannequin
–  OC sprayed onto upright mannequin
–  Worst case scenario
Test your OC with TASER
Tactical Considerations
Aim
•  Aim at target: Center of mass or legs
•  Laser is point of impact for top dart within
three inches at 13 feet (except XP35)
•  TASER cartridge deploys probes in line with
8-degree probe spread (except XP35)
•  Hold upright for vertical target
Warning: Do not aim at head/throat unless situation dictates a higher
level of injury risk is justified
Warning!
Do not aim at head, throat unless situation
dictates a higher level of injury risk is
justified
Probes deployed into the eyes or throat
can cause serious injuries
Preferred Target Zone Front
•  Lower torso (blue zone)
– More effective
• Split hemisphere
• Larger Muscles
– Reduces risk of hitting sensitive
body areas –please see
warnings
– Do not intentionally target
genitals
Preferred Target Zone Rear
•  Below neck (blue zone)
– Large muscles
– Avoid head
Probe Placement Techniques
• Deploy per department SOP
• Greater probe spread increases
effectiveness
-  If possible, minimum four-inch
spread
• Hold vertical unless subject is laying
down or at an angle
Probe Placement Techniques
•  If practicable, deploy probes at
suspect s back:
- Clothing fits tighter
- Surprise factor
- Stronger muscles -- even more
overwhelming
•  Aim at preferred target zones
Probe Placement Considerations
Try to aim where clothing fits more
tightly like the back or rear
XP cartridges are effective in
reducing clothing disconnects
Probe Placement Considerations
Electrical arc can penetrate SOME
soft body armor and may jump up
through clothing up to 2 inches total
or 1 inch per probe
Causes of Limited Effectiveness
•  Miss or single dart hit
•  Loose or thick clothing
•  Low nerve or muscle mass
•  Limited probe spread
•  Wires break
•  Operator error
Probe Placement Consideration
Video training points:
•  Aimed at open front of unzipped jacket
•  Utilize physical cover and cover officers
•  Custody plan in place prior to deployment
•  Suspects taken into custody during the
TASER cycle
Probe Placement
Consideration
Probe Spreads
This video was filmed prior to current demonstration safety procedures.
Make sure to follow demonstration safety procedures.
Tactical Considerations
•  If practicable, attempt to gain
compliance using verbal commands
•  At times verbal commands and display
of the TASER device may gain
compliance
•  Some agency policies allow the officer
to use verbal commands and the laser
to paint the target to attempt to gain
compliance
Causes of Limited Effectiveness
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Miss or single dart hit
Loose or thick clothing
Low nerve or muscle mass
Limited probe spread
Wires break
Operator error
Silence is Golden
•  The TASER device s electrical current is
relatively quiet in actual human use
•  Practice targets are loud since the energy
is arcing in the air
•  If electrical current is loud during field hit
and the subject is not reacting, the energy
is likely shorting out and may not be
effective - reload and deploy second shot at
alternate area or consider options
Loud Arc = Bad Connection
Tactical Considerations
Increased Deployment Risk Examples
•  Subject running
•  Subject in elevated position
•  Operating vehicle or machinery
•  Flammable or explosive environment
•  Obviously pregnant
•  In water
•  Sensitive target areas
•  Obviously frail or infirm
Tactical Considerations
•  Avoid TASER over-dependence
•  Consider having lethal cover or other
reasonable and appropriate force options
available when practicable
•  Consider cover and distance tactics
•  When practicable, have at least one back-up
officer present to Control/Cuff under power
Tactical Considerations
•  Deploy with 2nd TASER Cartridge available or have
a 2nd TASER nearby
•  If TASER Cartridge is a dud, keep device aimed
at target while placing the M/X26 on SAFE
•  Reload with new cartridge and re-engage target.
Do not attempt to reuse a dud
–  Contact TASER International with the serial number
and return it for a free replacement
Dud?
Deployment Distance
Considerations
Deployments from 0-7 feet (0-2 meters)
1. High hit probability
2. Limited probe spread=low amount
of muscle mass affected
3. Short reactionary distance
Consider targeting the waist area to put
one probe above the waist and one
below the waist for enhanced
effectiveness
Deployment Distance
Considerations
Deployments from 7-15 feet (2-4.5 meters)
(optimum range)
1. High hit probability
2. Good probe spread=good amount of
muscle affected
3. Plenty of slack in wires (with 21 foot or 25
foot cartridges)
4. Good reactionary distance
Deployment Distance
Considerations
Deployments from 15-35 feet (4.5 - 10.67 meters)
1. Fair hit probability / both probes
2. Large probe spread=large amount
of muscle affected
3. Less slack in wires
4. Large reactionary distance
Controlling/Cuffing Under Power
•  Move in and control the subject while TASER
device is cycling and the subject is incapacitated
when it is reasonably safe to do so.
•  EDPs, focused, intoxicated, excited delirium
individuals, etc. may not comply with verbal
commands following the TASER cycle
•  Each cycle should be used as a window of
opportunity to attempt to establish control/cuff
while the subject is affected by the TASER cycle
•  The need for multiple cycles may be avoided by
controlling/cuffing under power if contact officers
are available
Avoid Extended or Repeated TASER Device Applications
Where Practicable
•  The application of the TASER device is a physically
stressful event.
•  Especially when dealing with persons in a health crisis
such as excited delirium, it is advisable to minimize the
physical and psychological stress to the subject to the
greatest degree possible.
•  Officers should only apply the number of cycles
reasonably necessary to allow them to safely restrain the
subject.
•  Current human studies have concluded that TASER
applications directly across the chest do not impair normal
breathing patterns.
•  If circumstances require extended duration or repeated
discharges, the operator should take care to observe the
subject and provide breaks in the TASER stimulation when
practicable.
Tactical Considerations
•  Must keep sufficient slack in wires
•  Move with subject if they start to roll
•  If one probe hit or low spread, consider
drive stun follow-up
Look for Subject Reaction
•  No reaction or no change in subject
behavior could indicate poor or no
connection, low probe spread, or low
muscle mass contact
•  Suggested tactical considerations:
–  Reload and target a different area
–  Drive-stun with a cartridge in place
–  Consider other force options
Subject Reaction
•  Look AND listen when evaluating the
effectiveness of a TASER deployment
Watch the subject s reaction and look for
a change in their behavior
Subject Reaction
•  Listen to the sound of the TASER device
Quiet pulsing typically indicated a good
connection
Subject reaction
•  Loud arcing sound typically indicates NO
connection
Intermittent arcing typically indicates a
poor connection such as a clothing
disconnect
Suicidal Subjects
•  TASER device can be effective way to
deal with suicidal subjects
The TASER device is NOT a substitute for
lethal force
Suicidal Subjects
•  Follow your agency basic officer safety
rules/training when dealing with suicidal
subjects
Establish lethal cover as needed
Suicidal Subject Video
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Arizona
Suicidal female with a gun
Fires shots at officers
Places the gun to her head
Lethal cover
Disarm, control and cuff under power
Officer receives department life saving award
Suicidal Subject
Subject Chemical or Mental
Influences
•  The TASER device is effective on subjects
affected by chemical or mental influences
because it is not dependent on pain for
effectiveness
It achieves incapacitation by affecting the
sensory and motor functions of the
nervous system
Subject Chemical or Mental
Influences
Full Time Carry
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Port of Seattle
Resisting arrest at an airport
Officer and suspect engage in violent
struggle
OC ineffective
Back-up officer successfully deploys
TASER device
Second cycle was delivered
Control/Cuff under power?
Subject Chemical or mental
influence
•  Once the subject is controlled/cuffed,
evaluate the need for medical attention for
the underlying chemical or mental
conditions observed
Drive Stun
Drive Stun Backup
•  Probe hits are usually more desirable than
drive stuns without a cartridge
–  More effective (NMI vs. pain compliance)
–  Can be applied from a safer distance
–  Usually requires fewer cycles
–  Fewer injuries
Drive Stun with Cartridge
A drive stun with a live cartridge can be an
effective technique - the probes may
fire into the subject
•  Whenever practical avoid the head and throat
•  Low risk of over penetration
•  Cartridge may not deploy when in direct contact
with subject, but will still have drive stun effect
•  Probes can help maintain contact with a violent
suspect
–  You can then apply a drive stun away from probes to
achieve NMI
Drive Stun with Cartridge
One Probe Hit With
Drive Stun Follow up
•  If only one probe hits the subject, a
drive stun with the cartridge still
attached will act as the second probe
and complete the circuit, thus causing
NMI
•  See the Angled Drive Stun presentation
on the Training DVD for detailed
instructions on this technique
Drive Stun Follow Up
Drive Stun Backup
•  To use drive stun without firing probes, remove
live cartridge
•  The drive stun mode alone will not cause NMI. It
generally acts as a pain compliance tool
•  If not effective, evaluate location of drive stun,
consider an additional cycle to a different
pressure point, or consider alternative force
options
Drive Stun Backup
•  Do not hold on to live cartridge while
applying a drive stun
•  If cartridge gets within 2 inches of X26 or
suspect it may deploy
Drive Stun Mode
For maximum effectiveness in stun mode, drive the
M26 or X26 into the highlighted areas.
Green indicates primary target areas
Yellow indicates secondary target areas (increased risk of injury)
Red indicates that this area should be avoided
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Carotid (sides of neck) (see warning below)
Brachial plexus tie-in (upper chest)
Radial (forearm)
Pelvic triangle (see warning below)
Common peronial (Outside of thigh)
Tibial (calf muscle)
Drive stun field use success: 94%
WARNING: Use care when applying drive stun to neck or groin. These areas
are sensitive to mechanical injury (such as crushing to the trachea or testicles
if applied forcefully). However, these areas have proven highly effective
targets. These areas should only be targeted when officers are defending
themselves from violent attacks. Refer to your department s policy regarding
drive stuns in these and other sensitive areas.
Drive Stun Marks (X/M26)
Drive Stun Techniques
What to do Following
TASER Device Use
•  Once the subject is restrained evaluate the
need for medical attention as you would
with any other use-of-force incident*
•  Take photos of any injuries, place into
evidence*
•  Collect expended cartridge, probes, AFIDs
& place into evidence*
* as directed by department policy
Effects on Animals
•  The X/M26 TASER devices are an effective option
for dealing with aggressive animals and have
generally been successful (92% success in 155
reported incidents as of 6/07)
•  Note: The animals hit thus far have been
incapacitated/stunned but usually recovered
instantly. The vast majority of the animals quickly
left the scene and broke the wires however some
dogs do not run away and can become aggressive!
•  If dogs are stunned, consider having animal control
stand by to put a dog collar on the stunned dogs
Animal Use Video
•  Not a good environment for firearm
•  Successful hit on a running and charging
dogs
–  Close range
–  Canted TASER device on Rottweiler
–  Tracked the moving target through the shot
•  Pit bull video was captured on
TASER CAM
Animal Use
Police/Military K-9 Caution
If K-9 bites probe or between probes
during TASER deployment, the dog may
receive a shock
Develop procedures and train K-9
handlers and TASER operators on this
issue
Sudden Unexpected
Death Warning Signs
•  Should one or more of the following behaviors manifest, the
suspect may require immediate medical assistance due to preexisting conditions, possible overdose, cocaine psychosis, excited
delirium, etc. Consider having EMS standing by.
–  Bizarre or violent behavior
–  Signs of overheating/profuse sweating
–  Disrobing
–  Violence toward/attacking glass, lights, and reflective surfaces
–  Superhuman strength and endurance
–  Impervious to pain - self-mutilation
–  Disturbances in breathing patterns or loss of consciousness
–  Complaints of respiratory difficulty
Recognizing Warning Signs of
Possible Excited Delirium
Video
•  Florida naked man walking down the street
acting bizarre
•  Signs of overheating (public disrobing)
•  Violent behavior patterns
•  Is this normal ?
•  Criminal behavior or medical problem?
•  Consider activating EMS prior to contact
•  Extreme strength and impervious to pain
Excited Delirium
Tactical Options
•  No use of force tool or technique will work
100% of the time
•  TASER ECDs are complex electronic
devices
•  Both the devices and the cartridges can be
damaged and malfunction
•  Always have a back up plan for the use of
alternative tools or techniques
Tactical Options
•  The leading causes of ineffective ECD
deployments are misses (one or both
probes) and clothing disconnects
•  Close probe spreads can also limit
effectiveness
•  Always be prepared to discharge a second
cartridge, perform a drive stun follow up,
or resort to another force option
X/M26 Maintenance & Care
Agency will establish agency maintenance SOP
•  Avoid dropping - sensitive, electronic device -- similar
care of a cell phone
•  Check batteries / DPM regularly
•  Always store X26 with DPM inserted
•  Check expiration of TASER Cartridges (5 year exp.)
•  Secure in protective holster, when not in use
–  Do not store in pockets without holster
•  When an X26 needs to be returned to TASER Int l,
download the data for that unit and preserve for evidence
for any concerns from a past event prior to returning.
Also mark the RMA form indicating the files are evidence.
•  Avoid exposing X26 to excessive moisture
Dropped or Wet X/M26
•  If completely submerged, return to TASER Int l.
For all others:
•  Safety switch down (SAFE)
•  Point in safe direction and remove cartridge
•  Remove battery pack/DPM
•  Dry X/M26 thoroughly (at least 24 hours)
•  Reinstall battery pack/DPM
•  Safety switch up (ARMED)
–  If discharges without pulling the trigger, remove
batteries/DPM and return to TASER Int l
•  Spark test 3 full 5-second cycles
•  If X/M26 does not function properly, return to
TASER Int l
•  If spark test is normal, return to service
X26 Maintenance & Care
•  Use PDI Super Sani-Cloth to wipe down any X26 that gets
contaminated by any body fluids
•  Powerful Disinfectant
•  Will not damage TASER X26 weapon surfaces
Attaching Serial Numbers to
ECDs
• Do not use
metal tags.
NO!
Download Maintenance
•  Recommend conducting a quarterly
download and clock reset
Controlled Digital Power
Magazine (CDPM™)
CDPM
•  Lanyard disconnect- inoperative
•  Reconnect + code = Full function
•  The CDPM is an option for the X26
device only
CDPM Kit
TASER CAM
TASER CAM
•  Can be used with any TASER X26
•  Replaces DPM
•  1.5 hours of video & audio
•  100 5-second cycles
•  Video: 320X240 Resolution
– QVGA Black & White at 10 FPS
– MPEG-4 Video/Audio
TASER CAM
•  Built in infrared light source for low light
and no light capability
•  If lens is covered-CID flashes 88 and
the Laser will also flash
•  USB download
•  Rechargeable via USB or AC wall outlet
TASER CAM
TASER CAM
Infrared only no laser/LIL- complete
darkness
TASER Cam
Use
TASER CAM Maintenance
•  Periodically check and clean the lens with
a cotton swab
Drills: X26
Refer to Drills tab in the Instructor s Manual
Are there any
questions?
Conclusion & Test
More info:
www.TASER.com
(updated regularly with new videos and current news)
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Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9603
800-978-2737
Made in Scottsdale, AZ USA
Email: [email protected]