NCJ Number
192532
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 80-83
Date Published
November 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the technical aspects and use of the Tasertron taser as a less-lethal option for use by police in disabling aggressive individuals to take them into custody.
Abstract
The Rodney King incident was a defining moment in how the public perceived police use of force. The public now wants the police to avoid injuring individuals in use-of-force situations. Today’s police officer needs more than a gun, stick, chemical, hands, and uniform. The taser device uses the most powerful electrical current that human safety limits allow and has a unique two-shot capability. The taser sends electrical current that causes cramping of the individual’s muscles and temporarily debilitates the individual as long as the police officer holds the trigger switch down. Most individuals fall to the ground almost instantly, allowing police to take the individual into custody without a struggle and without serious injury to anyone. The ability of the Tasertron 95HP to house two cartridges provides a tactical advantage in situations in which an assailant rips out the first dart. The taser design deliberately avoids simulating the appearance of a handgun. The manufacturer requires 4 hours of training for end users, 8 hours for agency-trainers, and 16 hours for instructor-trainers. The Tasertron taser was ahead of its time when first marketed and has become an important less-lethal option. Photographs