Weapon Confusion: TASER CEWs, Firearms, and Human Error Theories

Abstract

Norman's human action theory and Reason's human error theory provide frameworks to analyze and to understand weapon confusion wherein a police officer mistakenly draws and discharges a firearm rather than a stated intent of deploying a TASER CEW. Review of publicly available information culminated in qualitative analysis of 20 TASER CEW/firearm confusion shootings that revealed evidence of capture error and action execution slips. Although changes in policy and training have not eliminated such errors, there is evidence they might have had some success in reducing the frequency. Systematic and simultaneous changes in weapon design, policies, training, and procedures might be necessary to reduce or eliminate weapon confusion but must be carefully assessed to avoid negative unintended consequences.