Conducted Energy Device Use in Municipal Policing: Results of a National Survey on Policy and Effectiveness Assessments

Abstract

Some concern has arisen over the overly “routine” use of conducted energy devices (CEDs) and their effectiveness in achieving important policy goals such as reducing the incidence of lethal force. These concerns directly call into question the departmental policy surrounding these devices. Using a large, national sample of chief executive officers of municipal law enforcement agencies (N = 210), the analyses reported here (a) describe the current state of CED policy, including placement on the use of force continuum; (b) assess departmental perceptions of the effectiveness of CEDs in reducing the incidence of lethal force; and (c) examine how variations in CED policy is related to a number of use of force outcomes. Findings suggest that 56% of departments surveyed reported that CEDs reduced the need to use lethal force. Moreover, regression analyses indicate that higher placement of CEDs on the use of force continuum is related to both fewer CED deployments and, although not significantly, also to reported reductions in the use of lethal force. Implications for policy and research are discussed.