ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE

TASER (STUNGUN)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Directive is to familiarise officers with the use, and operation procedures of the TASER (STUNGUN).

PROTOCOL

Whenever practicable, officers shall exercise de-escalation techniques to resolve potential use of force incidents and seek voluntary compliance from subjects/suspects. Less-Lethal force options are only permissible when:

An officer reasonably believes the suspect or subject is violently resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat of violence or physical harm.

Less-Lethal force options shall not be used for a suspect or subject who is passively resisting or merely failing to comply with commands. Verbal threats of violence or mere non-compliance by a suspect do not alone justify the use of Less-Lethal force.

An officer may use the TASER as a reasonable force option to control a suspect when the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others.

The TASER may also be effective against aggressive animals to protect officers or others from serious injury.

If officers encounter a self-mutilating or suicidal individual, the use of the TASER may be a reasonable force option to stop his or her actions. This will allow the individual to receive the needed emergency medical treatment.

Deployment Considerations

When practicable, officers should avoid using the TASER on individuals who:

• Are on an elevated or unstable surface which could cause a fall that could result in a significant impact injury

• Are operating or riding any mode of transportation

• Are located in water, mud or a marsh, and the ability to move is restricted (this is to prevent drowning; contrary to popular belief, the subject being wet, or in a body of water does not increase the danger posed by the electrocution itself)

• Are known to have a pacemaker, be pregnant, elderly or visibly frail

• Are near flammable or combustible fumes/liquids

• Are handling a firearm, as use of the TASER may lead to the subject unintentionally discharging the firearm which poses a danger to officers, the public, and the subject themselves.

Note: Officers should not intentionally activate more than one TASER at a time on the same suspect/subject.

Use of Force Warning

An officer shall, when feasible, give a verbal warning prior to using the TASER to control an individual. The warning is not required when an officer is attacked and must respond to the suspect's actions. Additionally, if a tactical plan requires the element of surprise to stabilise the situation, a warning is not required.

The verbal warning should include a command and a warning of potential consequences of the use of force.

PROCEDURES

The optimal range of the TASER is 2-20 feet from the suspect. The area of the suspect's torso is the preferred target when practical.

Generally, officers will carry 1 extra cartridge for the TASER. This means you shouldn't attempt to discharge the TASER an unrealistic number of times during a situation.

Once activated, the TASER activation duration is 7 seconds. During this period of incapacitation, the arrest team should take positions of advantage to immediately control the suspect and take them into custody.

Because the Department recognises that each tactical situation is unique, there is no pre-set limit on the number of times the TASER can be used; however, officers should generally avoid repeated or simultaneous activations to avoid potential injury to the suspect.

Medical Treatment

Whenever the TASER is used and the probes and/or electrodes make contact with the suspect's clothing or skin, the suspect shall be examined by medical personnel. If the suspect loses consciousness, officers shall immediately request an ambulance.