TASER Research Articles

Influence of Pressure on Phonon Properties of Indium Antimonide

Herein, experimental observation of the pressure‐induced softening of the zone‐edge transverse acoustical (TA(X)ze) phonon in the zincblende indium antimonide is for the first time reported. Experimental data allow for determination of Grüneisen parameter for the TA(X)ze phonon mode. The density‐functional theory calculations performed within quasiharmonic approximation at 0 K also reveal the softening of the TA(X)ze at high pressure, although the experimental value of its frequency shift is almost three times smaller than the theoretical one. In contrast, pressure dependences of optical phonons are well reproduced in our calculations. Similar calculations for GaSb and InP result in good agreement with available experimental data for optical and, as opposed to InSb, also for TA(X)ze phonons. The fact that the quasiharmonic theory works well for GaSb and InP may suggest that anharmonicity of acoustical phonons in these compounds is insignificant at room temperature. The possibility of enhanced anharmonicity of TA(X)ze phonon in InSb is discussed. The pressure of transition derived from experimentally determined shift of TA(X)ze frequency for InSb does not fit the recently proposed model of Weinstein working well for over 20 semiconductors, which also shows the specificity of InSb especially in comparison to other cubic III–V semiconductors.

Analytical assessment of modulated electric flux triggered degradation of chlorfenapyr and deltamethrin pesticides in guava fruits

The purpose of this study was to explore the new effective method and investigate the dissipation of chlorfenapyr and deltamethrin (DM) pesticides used in the treatment of guava fruit from tropical and sub-tropical areas of Pakistan. Five different solutions of varying concentrations of pesticides were prepared. This study involved the in-vitro and in-vivo analysis of modulated electric flux-triggered degradation as an efficient method for the safer degradation of selected pesticides. The Taser gun was used as a tool for providing different numbers of electrical shocks of million voltages to the pesticides present in guava fruit at different temperatures. The degraded pesticides were extracted and analyzed by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC chromatograms verified that significant dissipation of pesticides took place when these were exposed to 9 shocks at 37 °C, which proved the efficiency of this degradation method. More than 50% of the total spray of both pesticides was dissipated. Thus, modulated electrical flux-triggered degradation is one of the effective methods for pesticide degradation.

Damage characteristics of fabrics created by TASER probes

TASER® weapons are conducted energy weapons (CEWs) that are frequently used by police departments around the world. CEWs can be deployed in two methods: drive stun application and probe deployment. This study aims to examine damages caused by TASER devices on fabrics and whether types of fabric material and TASER models could contribute to different damage features. Three types of white fabric were used, including 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and 65:35 polyester-cotton blend. Three models: TASER X26P, TASER X2, and TASER 7 were shot onto each type of fabric, with five repetitions each. Each damaged area on the fabric caused by a probe is a sample (n= 90) and was examined with a Keyence digital microscope. Images were captured by the Keyence microscope and measurements were recorded, including damage dimensions, fabric condition, evidence of burning, and extra findings. The presence of fused yarn ends was found to be statistically significant across the fabric types, and no damage features were found that may assist in the identification of TASER models. Other damage features including damage dimensions, discoloration, and fiber deformation were not found to be showing apparent differences according to statistical analysis. The conclusions made by this research should be used with caution due to the small sample size.

A comparative study of conducted electrical weapon incapacitation during a goal-directed task

Conducted electrical weapons (CEW) are ubiquitous in law enforcement given their unique ability to physically incapacitate violently resisting subjects. Early use of animal models to study CEW incapacitation effectiveness (e.g. porcine model with 4-limb strain gauges) proved to be poorly predictive of human incapacitation effectiveness. In a previously published human study, we developed a methodology for the prospective assessment of the incapacitation effectiveness of CEWs in highly motivated human subjects. Here we use this methodology in Part 1 to compare the incapacitation effectiveness of the newly released Axon® (formerly TASER® International) T(ASER) 7 to the TASER X26E, the "gold standard", and the TASER X2, a current model. The T7 has a new "adaptive cross-connect" technology that may improve incapacitation effectiveness in the scenario of small spreads between probe pairs, a common cause of weapon "failure" in the field. In Part 2, we use our methodology to test the functionality of the T7 cross-connect technology by comparing different bay and probe configurations. This is the first published study in the literature comparing different CEW models using this human model. For Part 1, 29 subjects completed the study and had data available for analysis. For Part 2, 21 subjects completed the study and had data available for analysis. The subjects were motivated to complete the task of reaching a suspended martial arts dummy 3.4m (11ft) away while being exposed "under power" to the CEW. In Part 1, subjects were assigned to 1 of 6 groups with probe spreads of 10, 20, and 30cm (4, 8, 12 in). Subjects were exposed to a "control" CEW (either the X2 or X26E) and the T7 on alternating sides. Exposures with the X2 and T7 included 2 bay-exposures. In Part 2, 21 subjects were assigned to 1 of 5 groups of different T7 bay and probe configurations all with a theoretical effective spread of 30cm (12 in). Subjects were rated on their progress towards successfully reaching the dummy and on the extent of limb incapacitation using a quasi-blinded expert-observer scoring panel based on high-speed video review. In Part 1, all CEW models achieved maximal or near-maximal subject control with the 30cm probe spread. With probe spreads of 10 and 20cm the pooled data showed the T7 to be superior to the X2 for goal achievement (p < 0.001) and limb incapacitation (p = 0.002) mostly driven by differences seen with the 10cm spread (2-bay exposures). The T7 was non-inferior to the X26E. In Part 2, there was no statistical significance between the limb capture scores, but there was a statistically significant difference in goal scores. The results overall validate that the T7 CEW cross-connect feature performed as expected. The T7 adaptive cross-connect feature with two simultaneous deployed probe pairs demonstrated a significant improvement in incapacitation effectiveness compared to the current X2 CEW with two simultaneously deployed probe pairs. Small probe spreads are a common reason for limited incapacitation effectiveness in the field and this study suggests the T7 may offer an improvement in this scenario. The T7, with single-bay exposures, was non-inferior to the single-bay X26E.

Investigation. Policing - Time to tackle Taser misuse

Investigation. Policing - Time to tackle Taser misuse

Polish Police in the Era of the Contemporary Means of Direct Coercion

The aim of this article is to show the importance of means of direct coercion in the era of modern threats. Undoubtedly, an important role in this regard is played by the Police, as a body established to ensure security and public order. It is the responsibility of police officers, both in Poland and in other countries, to take care of the safety of citizens. Therefore, police officers should be prepared in an appropriate way, through the training process, to take up actions, including dangerous ones. It is also essential that these people are adequately equipped with “tools” to enable them to be safe both personally and in relation to the people they take action against. The means of physical coercion that are available to police officers undoubtedly fulfil this role. The following article presents the results of research conducted among police officers in Poland within the framework of a research task financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education within the framework of statutory activity. The aim of the research was to determine, among other things, which of the individual means of direct coercion available to police officers in the course of their official duties is in their opinion the most useful, and at the same time allows them to maintain safety during official interventions. The respondents clearly assessed that this was the electric taser, i.e. the latest means of direct coercion introduced for the use of the Polish Police in 2007. However, it is only from 2013 that the electric taser, in the form of three models — the Taser X26, Taser X2, and Taser X26P — has been widely introduced into this uniformed formation.

Tasers: the ‘less-lethal’ force that heightens risk

Tasers: the ‘less-lethal’ force that heightens risk

Penetrating facial trauma from a Taser barb

The Taser X26® (Axon) is a conducted energy device that is used by the police forces in the United Kingdom to deliver a high voltage shock that will disable a person. Injuries related to its use are uncommon but can be serious, the extent of the damage caused being related to the structures targeted and the length of deployment of the electrical charge. We describe a 15-year-old boy who had a penetrating midfacial injury after deployment of a Taser, the barb of which became embedded in the subtarsal region of his left cheek. Removal under general anaesthetic was uncomplicated, and exploration of the wound showed that there was no damage to adjacent structures. Case reports of this type are limited, and we know of none of a penetrating injury of the midface.

A Review Study on Police Taser Gun Use Practices in the Korean National Police Agency: An Analysis of Police Use of Force Reports

지난 2005년 총기 사용을 대체하고 보다 안전한 법집행을 위해 우리나라 경찰에 최초 도입된 테이저건은 사용 빈도가 급격히 증가하고 있으며, 현재 일선 지구대 파출소 경찰관들이 가장 자주 활용하는 경찰장비의 하나로 자리 잡고 있다. 총기에 비해 테이저건은 사용 대상자의 사망 또는 부상 가능성이 현저히 낮고 사용 요건 역시 현저히 완화되어 있다는 장점으로 인하여 날로 사용 빈도가 증가하고 있지만 테이저건 장비 자체는 사용 대상자의 생명·신체에 대한 중대한 위험성이 잠재되어 있다. 실제 2017년 6월 경남 함양군에서 정신병원을 거부하며 흉기를 들고 저항하던 40대 남성이 경찰 테이저건에 맞은 후 사망하는 사례가 국내 최초로 발생하였으며, 테이저건 오발로 인한 대상자의 실명 사례, 대상자가 테이저건 피격 후 쓰러지면서 자신이 들고 있던 칼에 찔려 사망하는 사례 등이 발생하였다. 또한 경찰의 귀가 요청에 불응한 술에 취한 고등학생을 대상으로 테이저건을 사용한 사례도 발생함으로써 적절한 테이 저건 사용 한계에 대한 재조명이 필요한 시기라 할 수 있다. 이러한 배경에서 이 연구는 실제 우리나라 경찰관들이 작성한 테이저건 사용보고서를 분석함으로써 일선 경찰의 테이저건 사용 실태 파악을 시도하였다. 분석 결과, 대부분 의 경찰 테이저건은 대상자가 경찰관 또는 제3자에 대한 주먹질, 발길질과 같은 신체적 폭력 이상의 위해를 가하는 상황, 체포의 대상자가 도주하는 경우, 대상자가 자해를 시도하는 경우에 사용되고 있는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 일부의 경우 대상자가 단순히 체포·연행에 불응하는 경우 및 대상자를 경찰관에 대한 모욕죄의 현행범으로 체포하는 과정에서도 테이저건을 사용하고 있는 것으로 분석되었다. 이와 같은 상황에서의 테이저건 사용은 미국 연방법원 및 주요 경찰관서에서 설정한 테이저건 사용 한계를 벗어나는 반면, 우리나라 경찰의 테이저건 사용 가이드라인은 체포·연행에 소극적으로 저항하는 경우와 경미한 범죄의 현행범 체포 상황에서의 테이저건 사용에 대한 명확한 판단을 제공하고 있지 않다. 결론적으로 이 연구에서는 보다 합리적인 경찰 테이저건 사용을 위한 정책적 제안을 논의하였다.Since taser guns were first deployed in the Korean National Policy Agency in 2005, tasers have been one of the most frequently used force options in the line of police duty. Although police tasers are originally designed to minimize the amount of physical harm to theirs subjects, a great deal of research has warned the use of police tasers may result in subjects’ death or serious injury. In 2017, a mentally-ill person who refused to be transferred to a mental hospital, while resisting the police, was fatally tasered by the police death, which is the first death in Korea resulting from police use of tasers. Furthermore, many civilian injuries and death caused by police tasers have been reported. Recently, police officers applied a taser to stun a high school students who resisted the police just with only verbal abuse. Therefore, the current study examined police taser gun use practices in Korea by reviewing police use of taser reports filed by frontline officers in the country. By doing so, the present study found that most of police tasers were applied to subjects who were at least combative or physically resistive. However, a few police officers applied tasers to subjects who were non-compliant or resisting officers’ command by locking arms or tightening their body. As police use of tasers to passively resisting the police can be actionable under Section 1983 in the United States, the current use of force guidelines in the Korean National Police Agency must be reconsidered to properly advise its officers’ use of tasers. The current study also discussed policy implications and suggestions for future studies.

The topical problems of the application of the TASER electroshock devices

The objective of the present study was the analysis of publications in the foreign medical literature concerning the problems of safety, clinical diagnostics, pathological morphology, and treatment of the patients subjected to the impact by various models of the TASER electroshock devices. The materials for this article were borrowed from the available Internet resources and libraries. The methods of scientific analysis were employed to follow up the dynamics of publication and to determine the number of publications on the issues of interest. The main attention was given to the overview of the subject matter of scientific research and experiments. The review covers 74 foreign articles presenting the discussion of various conditions and circumstances of the action of various types of the TASER electroshock devices (ESD) on the man with special reference to their effectiveness and safety as confirmed by numerous experimental impacts on the volunteers and animals. It is shown that the dynamics of relevant publications in the foreign scientific periodicals gives evidence of the strong interest shown by the specialists in various scientific disciplines to the problem of safety of various models of the TASER electroshock devices. The largest number of the articles (60 or 81.1%) published during the period covered by the present study were submitted by the American authors describing their experiments involving the volunteers, anthropometric dummies, and human corpses (n=38 or 51%). The subject matter of these publications included the forensic medical evaluation of the lethal outcomes of the application of the TASER electroshock devices with the related technical problems and characteristic of various ESD models. Despite the extensive studies on the volunteers and the experimental animals, the authors of the publications failed to present direct and conclusive evidence of the lethal consequences of the application of the TASER electroshock devices (ESD) on the man. Some of them recommend to prohibit (or restrict whenever possible) the targeted application of the electric shock weapons to the thoracic region. Experiments on the animals have demonstrated the possibility of development of cardiovascular and respiratory complications following the application of the TASER X2 electroshock devices operating at a frequency of 40 Hz during 30 minutes. The clinical and laboratory studies with the participation of the volunteers in an alcoholic intoxication condition have confirmed the long-term increase in the blood lactate levels under the influence of the electric shocking weapons. The analogous data suggesting the development of pronounced acidosis under effect of the TASER X2 electroshock devices due to the elevation of the lactate concentration in the venous blood have been obtained in the animal experiments. The studies of humans in a narcotic intoxication condition failed to provide direct evidence of induction of psychic disorders in the form of an acute confusional state (delirium) under the influence of the TASER electroshock devices. The evaluation of changes in the skin cover in the form of the punctured or contused wounds in the victims of the application of the electroshock gun projectiles did not revealed any specific signs of the local electrical action.

Effect of the Taser X26 and Taser X2 Electric Stun Guns on Skin Tissue of Pigs in the Context of Use by the Uniformed Services

The Taser (full name: Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle) is an electric stun gun, manufactured by Taser International. Its operational range varies from 4.60 metres to 10.6 metres1 thanks to wire electrodes that remain connected to the main device. The electrodes penetrate the skin and soft tissues of the person who is the target for temporary immobilisation. The high voltage generated at low intensity causes severe pain and disruption of the nervous system, resulting in temporary total paralysis. The Taser is a device of direct coercion, whose use is permissible for widespread application in cases where conservative methods of controlling dangerous situations have been exhausted. The natural question that arises is the impact and influence of the electrically active electrodes fired on the surrounding tissues. The aim of the study was a histopathological evaluation and comparison of the effects of the cartridges from the Taser X2 and Taser X26 in terms of the local reaction on a portion of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of domestic pigs fresh from a slaughterhouse. Fragments of the tissue were subjected to histological treatment and analysed using an optical microscope. There were changes in the microscopic image indicating mechanical damage to the epidermis and subcutaneous layers of the dermis due to the use of the devices researched.

Analysis of death cases involved in TASER in the State of Maryland

To evaluate the features of autopsy cases involved in electronic weapon (TASER) in the State of Maryland, and to discuss the appraisable points. Thirteen autopsy cases involving TASER were collected from 2004 to 2011 in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland. All the cases include detailed scene investigations, complete autopsy, toxicological analysis and histopathological examination. Statistical analysis were conducted including general information of victim, type of TASER, type of contact, toxicological results, manner and cause of death. Majority of victims were male with an acute onset of agitated and delusional behavior. Drugs were often involved. Deaths were attributed to multiple factors. Most of cases involved in TASER resulted from multiple fatal factors. Further researches are needed for the principal mechanism. Thorough scene investigation and complete autopsy examination play crucial role in evaluation of such cases.

Taser-Related Testicular Trauma

The Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle (Taser) is an electrical weapon designed as a nonlethal means to subdue violent or fleeing subjects. Several reports have been published on the safety and efficacy of, as well as injury profile from, police Tasers. Documented urologic involvement is rare. The sequela of an electrical current from a Taser gun to the testis in regard to both short- and long-term functions is unknown. Herein we present a case of penetrating trauma to the scrotum from a Taser dart.

Electromuscular incapacitating devices discharge and risk of severe bradycardia.

Electromuscular incapacitating devices (EMDs) are high-voltage, low-current stimulators causing involuntary muscle contractions and sensory response. Existing evidence about cardiac effects of EMD remains inconclusive. The aim of our study was to analyze electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) changes induced by EMD discharge.We examined 26 volunteers (22 men; median age 30 years) who underwent single standard 5-second duration exposure to TASER X26 under continuous echocardiographic and electrocardiographic monitoring. Microvolt T-wave alternans testing was performed at baseline (MTWA-1), as well as immediately and 60 minutes after EMD exposure (MTWA-2 and MTWA-3, respectively).Mean heart rate (HR) increased significantly from 88 ± 17 beats per minute before to 129 ± 17 beats per minute after exposure (P < 0.001). However, in 2 individuals, an abrupt decrease in HR was observed. In one of them, interval between two consecutive beats increased up to 1.7 seconds during the discharge. New onset of supraventricular premature beats was observed after discharge in 1 patient. Results of MTWA-1, MTWA-2, and MTWA-3 tests were positive in one of the subjects, each time in a different case.Standard EMD exposure can be associated with a nonuniform reaction of HR and followed by heart rhythm disturbances. New MTWA positivity can reflect either the effect of EMD exposure or a potential false positivity of MTWA assessments.

Policing Science: The Lessons of Taser

Policing Science: The Lessons of Taser

Cardiac Stimulation with Electronic Control Device Application

BackgroundElectronic control devices (ECDs) are weapons used to incapacitate violent subjects. Subjects have died suddenly after ECD application, but because cardiac dysrhythmias have been inconsistently observed during ECD application in animals, the cause for death is uncertain. ObjectivesThe objective was to identify the factors contributing to cardiac stimulation during ECD application detected by transesophageal echocardiography. MethodsFour Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, paralyzed with vecuronium, and restrained in a supine position. A GE 6T echo probe was placed in the esophagus to directly visualize left ventricular function. M-mode echocardiography was used to estimate heart rate. Two dart locations, chest and abdomen, were assessed. ECD applications were delivered from one of five commercially available devices (Taser X26, Singer S200 AT, Taser M26, Taser X3, and Taser C2) in random order to each pig, four times in each orientation. ResultsCardiac stimulation, characterized by multiple PVCs or the sudden increase in ventricular contraction rate during application, did not occur with abdominal dart location. With chest dart application in small pigs, cardiac stimulation occurred with all ECDs except with the Taser X3 (p < 0.0001). In large pigs, cardiac stimulation occurred only during chest application of the S200 AT (chest vs. abdomen: 207 beats/min, vs. 91 beats/min, p < 0.0001). ConclusionCardiac stimulation occurs during ECD application in pigs, and is dependent upon subject size, dart orientation, and ECD. The Taser X3 did not result in cardiac stimulation in small or large pigs.

Cardiac fibrillation risk of Taser weapons.

The debate on potential health hazards associated with delivering electric discharges to incapacitated subjects, in particular on whether electric discharge weapons are lethal, less lethal or non-lethal, is still controversial. The cardiac fibrillation risks of Taser weapons X26 and X3 have been investigated by measuring the delivered high-tension pulses in dependence on load impedance. Excitation thresholds and sinus-to-Taser conversion factors have been determined by numerical modeling of endocardial, myocardial, and epicardial cells. Detailed quantitative assessment of cardiac electric exposure has been performed by numerical simulation at the normal-weighted anatomical model NORMAN. The impact of anatomical variation has been quantified at an overweight model (Visible Man), both with a spatial resolution of 2 × 2 × 2 mm voxels. Spacing and location of dart electrodes were systematically varied and the worst-case position determined. Based on volume-weighted cardiac exposure assessment, the fibrillation probability of the worst-case hit was determined to 30% (Taser X26) and 9% (Taser X3). The overall risk assessment of Taser application accounting for realistic spatial hit distributions was derived from training sessions of police officers under realistic scenarios and by accounting for the influence of body (over-)weight as well as gender. The analysis of the results showed that the overall fibrillation risk of Taser use is not negligible. It is higher at Taser X26 than at Taser X3 and amounts to about 1% for Europeans with an about 20% higher risk for Asians. Results demonstrate that enhancement as well as further reduction of fibrillation risk depends on responsible use or abuse of Taser weapons.

'The Flaw in the Taser Debate is the Taser Debate': What do We Know about Taser in the UK, and How Significant are the Gaps in Our Knowledge?

'The Flaw in the Taser Debate is the Taser Debate': What do We Know about Taser in the UK, and How Significant are the Gaps in Our Knowledge?

New TASER injuries: lacrimal canaliculus laceration and ethmoid bone fracture

The TASER is a non-lethal conducted electrical weapon intended to incapacitate a person. The growing use of the TASER has resulted in an increased risk of injuries, including those to the face. We report a case of lacrimal canaliculus laceration and ethmoid bone fracture caused by an extra penetration (XP) TASER X26 dart. A 35-year-old was subdued with a TASER head shot; the probe was discharged into the left medial canthus without causing any ocular lesions. A computed tomography scan revealed the probe to be embedded in the left nasolacrimal duct and showed a displaced ethmoid fracture. The barbed dart had sectioned the inferior lacrimal canaliculus without electrifying the lesion. This case expands the knowledge of injuries that may occur as a result of the use of this device and the management of peri-ocular TASER injuries.

TASER Electronic Control Devices Can Cause Cardiac Arrest in Humans

The TASER X26 electronic control device (ECD) is a handgun-shaped device that uses compressed nitrogen to fire darts ranging from 9 to 14 mm in length that impale the clothes or skin of an individual up to a distance of 35 ft. Wires connect the darts to the device. The TASER X26 functions as a constant current generator and delivers an initial 50 000-V to begin an arcing shock (the actual voltage delivered to the body is in the range of 1400–2520 V), followed by electric pulses of 105- to 155-microsecond duration, at a frequency of ≈19 Hz (≈1140 times per minute), and 80- to 125-microcoulomb delivered charge.1 A single trigger pull discharges a 5-second cycle that can be shortened by a safety switch to deactivate the device or prolonged if the trigger pull is held. The trigger can be activated multiple times. The X26 data port stores the time and date of use and number and duration of trigger pulls. If effective, the shock elicits neuromuscular inhibition, allowing law enforcement to gain control of a suspect (see www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACUjnJBHIZc for a TASER demonstration). The device can also be applied in a “drive-stun” mode by directly pressing the X26 ECD against the skin to achieve pain compliance without neuromuscular inhibition. The TASER X26 is the most widely sold ECD. Called a less lethal or nonlethal weapon because it is supposed to be deployed to temporarily incapacitate, not to kill the subject, the X26 is not considered a firearm and therefore is not regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Response by Kroll et al on p 111 The purpose of this article is to present information to support the conclusion that the TASER X26 ECD can cause cardiac arrest in humans. As noted in an earlier article, …