The Risks of Tasering an Armed Individual: A Police Instructor’s Perspective

When faced with an armed individual, the decision to discharge a taser can be complex and fraught with risks. This article explores the potential consequences of tasering someone who is holding a firearm, drawing on insights from a seasoned police taser instructor. We will discuss the mechanism of tasers, the effects on the human body, and the risks associated with such a decision during law enforcement operations.

Understanding Taser Mechanism and Functionality

A taser is a non-lethal weapon that uses electrical energy to temporarily incapacitate a suspect. The primary components of a taser are two probes that are fired into the target, creating a conductive path between them. This electrical path causes muscle spasms, effectively disabling the target for several seconds. However, the taser's discharge does not trigger muscle spasms that could cause involuntary firearm discharge.

According to the police taser instructor, the discharge is point-to-point, meaning it only flows between the two probes. When the probes are placed in a target's back, the likelihood of an errant probe hitting the face or eyes is minimized. Consequently, the muscle contractions associated with taser discharge do not cause involuntary trigger finger movements. This is a critical distinction that differentiates taser effects from potential risks to firearm safety.

Theoretical Scenarios and Incidents

There is concern within law enforcement circles that tapping an armed individual with a taser may trigger a reflexive firearm discharge. However, such incidents are highly unlikely due to the precise nature of taser delivery and the designed function of the device. Here are some key points to consider:

No Involuntary Discharge: The taser does not cause involuntary muscle spasms that would trigger a firearm. Point-to-Point Discharge: The electrical path is specifically between the two probes, reducing the risk of unintended interactions. Protective Measures: Law enforcement training emphasizes careful placement of taser probes to avoid sensitive areas near a firearm.

One often cited, but not officially documented, incident is frequently discussed. In this case, the suspect was tased, fell forward, and inexplicably discharged several rounds. The instructor contends that the rounds likely discharged due to a muscle spasm caused by the fall, not a taser-induced reaction. The video, if found, would further illustrate the complexity of such incidents.

Practical Implications and Police Training

During police training, the emphasis is on understanding the escalation of force and the proper use of equipment. The 'use of force' pyramid emphasizes that tasers are for low-level threats, such as non-compliant or intoxicated individuals. For credible threats involving firearms, lethal force may be justified.

Police instructors teach that tasers should be used as a last resort in firearm confrontations due to the potential for unintended consequences. Drawing a taser on a heavily armed suspect is a high-risk decision that could have tragic outcomes. For example, if a taser shocks the firearm, it could cause a reflexive shot, leading to a fatal outcome for a colleague or suspect.

The concern for police instructors is that a taser discharge may potentially trigger the trigger, as the shock could cause a reflexive muscle spasm. However, this scenario is rare and unpredictable. The taser is not designed to cause involuntary firearm discharge. Thus, police training focuses on the careful, strategic use of tasers in non-lethal confrontations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tasers are effective in incapacitating suspects, their use on armed individuals must be approached with caution. The primary risks involve accidental firearm discharge, which is rare due to the precise nature of the taser. However, this decision should always be made with a thorough understanding of the potential risks and the complete use of force continuum. Law enforcement officers must adhere to rigorous training to minimize the likelihood of such incidents.

For individuals seeking more information or wishing to learn about the latest tactics and tools used by law enforcement, it is recommended to follow reputable sources and participate in ongoing training programs.