PURPOSE:	It is the purpose of this policy to provide officers with guidance on when and how to use 				the Taser conducted electrical weapon.

POLICY:	Consistent with this department’s use of force policy, using only the level of force that reasonably appears necessary to control or otherwise subdue violent or potentially violent individuals, the department authorizes the use of the Taser conducted electrical weapons (Taser) by designated personnel within the department.  The primary purpose for employing the Taser is to save lives.  The Taser is viewed as “high” on the continuum of non-lethal force and is authorized as an alternative to employing deadly force in situations where time and circumstances exist for Taser use.  It is not intended to be used as a general substitute for other non-lethal force options.

PROCEDURES:

	I.  Taser Specifications

		A.  	The Taser is not a substitute for lethal force.  It is an alternative to other less than
			lethal applications of force.  It should be considered as an option where less than
			lethal force is appropriate and other methods were tried ineffectively or the Taser 				appears to be the most effective tool.
		B.  	Tasers are designed to restrain violent individuals, where alternative restraint 					tactics have been or are reasonably likely to fail and/or where it would be unsafe 				for officers to approach a subject to apply restraints.
C.  	The Tasers fires two probes connected to the device by fine wires.  Once in place, 		electricity can be discharged into the subject at the control of the operator. The 		subject should normally be immobilized and dazed by the electricity long
enough for officers to apply restraints.  Manufacturers claim that no permanent damage is caused by the Taser under normal conditions; however, precautions in its use shall be followed in accordance with provisions of this policy.

	II.  Training

		A.	Only officers who have successfully completed the department’s approved 					course of instruction on the Taser are authorized to use it in tactical situations.  
		B.	Officers of this department shall receive refresher training in use of the Taser on 				an annual basis.  

	III.  Usage and Handling

		A.	The Taser is equivalent to the use of oleoresin capsicum on the Illinois 					Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board use of force guidelines.
		B.	Only a department approved Taser shall be carried and used.
		C.	The Taser may be used when other less than lethal force options have been 					ineffective or when it reasonably appears that such options will be ineffective in 				subduing the subject.
D. 	For maximum effectiveness, Tasers should be fired at recommended areas whenever possible, which is generally a back shot or lower torso shot, avoiding the face, neck, chest/breast, and eyes of the subject.
		E.	Examples of situations in which the Taser may be used include, but are not
limited to, the following:
			1.  Dealing with a mentally ill subject who is perceived to be violent
			2.  Armed subjects
			3.  Warrant service or arrest situations where the subject is perceived to be acting violently
			4.  Violent persons under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
			5.  Persons expressing the intent and having the means to commit suicide
		F.  	When deemed a reasonable alternative to lesser force options that will be likely 				ineffective or greater force options that may be inappropriate given objective 					circumstances.
		G. 	The Taser should not be pointed at any individual unless the officer involved 					reasonably believes it will be necessary to use the device.
		H.  	The Taser shall not be used:
			1.  In any mode on subjects who are passively resisting.
			2.  When the operator cannot, for safety or other reasons, approach the subject 				      within effective range of the device.
			3.  In proximity to flammable liquids, gases, blasting materials or any other
     highly combustible materials that may be ignited by use of the device,
     including but not limited to any subject who may have been contaminated
     with combustible liquids;
			4.  When it is reasonable to believe that incapacitation of the subject may result 				      in serious injury or death;
			5.  In conjunction with another TASER or any other electronic restraining device 				      	      that may collectively exceed electrical power levels on the subject.
			6.  Punitively or for purposes of coercion.
			7.  To awaken an unconscious or intoxicated person.
			8.  On someone who might fall from a significant height.
			9.  As a sole means to gain compliance by repeated applications of the TASER.
		I.	In non-lethal force situations, when possible, officers should avoid using the 				Taser on:
			1.  Persons in deep water due to the chance of drowning.
			2.  Persons in wheelchairs or in control of a vehicle.
			3.  Pregnant women.
			4.  People with known heart problems.
			5.  People with apparent debilitating illness or the elderly.
			6.  Children or those under 80 pounds.
			7.  Individuals with known neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis, 				     	muscular dystrophy, or epilepsy.
			8.  Persons known to be wearing pacemakers or other biomedical devices 				    	 sensitive to electrical current.
		J.	Police officers carrying a Taser shall use it in strict conformity with the device 					operation’s manual.  They shall also ensure that the device is working properly.  				The Taser shall be handled with care and safeguarded at all times.  When not in 				 the actual control of the assigned officer, it will be safely secured.
		K.	The Taser shall be carried weak-side or cross-draw in a department approved 					holster.
		L.	The Taser will not be displayed or demonstrated unless during operational 					deployment, approved training, or to test the functionality of the device in a safe
 			manner.
		M.  	Taser cartridges shall not be carried loosely in pockets or in similar fashion as 					static charge may cause discharge and serious injury.  All Taser cartridges shall 				be stored in their shipping boxes until deployed for field use.
		N.  	Cartridge packs used against individuals shall be submitted to the operator’s 					supervisor for replacement.  Probes that have been removed from suspects shall 				be placed in a sharps storage container, or other acceptable container, and treated and 				disposed of as biohazardous.
O.  	Past experience indicates the potential for injuries to officers while restraining violent or potentially violent prisoners in the booking/cell area.  Therefore, Tasers will be allowed in the booking/cell area.

	IV.  Tactical Considerations

		A.	Consider the environment surrounding the suspect.
		B.	Avoid using the Taser as the primary weapon against someone displaying a 					firearm or edged weapon unless you have armed police backup or cover.
		C.	If feasible, announce to other officers your intention to use the Taser prior to 					discharge.
		D.  	When appropriate, display the Taser and/or give verbal warning to gain compliance.
		E.	Use verbal commands
F.	When justified, discharge a full five-second cycle without interruption and use that five-second cycle as a window of opportunity to move in, control, and handcuff a subject, or to use other force options as appropriate.
G.	Each subsequent discharge or cycle is a separate use of force and must be reasonable and justified.  If justified, after three cycles or 15 seconds of consecutive or cumulative cycles and the subject has not been handcuffed and/or controlled, other use of force options should be considered.
H.	Do not rely on the Taser as the sole means to gain compliance.
		I.	Use additional discharge cycles if the suspect continues to actively resist.
		J.	Watch for change in suspect’s behavior.
		K.	Have an additional cartridge(s) available or a second Taser ready to fire in case 				the probes miss the target or malfunctions.
		L.	Monitor suspect for symptoms requiring medical attention, to include breathing 					difficulties. 

	V.  Post Care / Probe Removal

		A.	Make sure the suspect is secure and restrained prior to post care treatment.
		B.  	If the suspect is under control, an officer wearing gloves may remove the probes
in accordance to proper training protocols as long as the probes can be removed
intact.   
		C.  	DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove the probes if it is embedded in the soft tissue of
 			the face, neck, ear, breast, or groin.  Transport the suspect to the hospital by 					paramedics.  These probes will be removed by medical personnel only.  
		D.	After probe removal, the wounds can be treated with a sanitizing wipe and band-				aid if necessary.
		E.	Carefully monitor the suspect while in custody for signs of needing immediate 					medical assistance due to pre-existing conditions such as drug use or illness.

	VI.  After Action Reporting

		A.  	Use of the Taser is considered a use of force and is subject to the same reporting 				requirements as other uses of force required by the department.  
B.  	With the exception of training, all instances of Taser usage, including accidental discharges, shall be reported to the shift supervisor and documented on the incident report.  
C.	After non-training discharge, the officer should also provide a department-certified Taser instructor with the following information:  officer name, Taser number, cartridge number, and report number.
		D.  	After discharging the Taser, the air cartridge shall be properly disposed of.

	VII.  Maintenance

		A.  	Testing and maintenance of the Taser shall be consistent with manufacturer’s 					specifications.
		B.	Always replace air cartridges before their expiration date.
		C.	At the beginning of each shift, an officer shall spark test the unit.
		D.  	Cartridges should be stored in a cool, dry environment.
		E.  	Tasers should not be left in direct sunlight due to the possible adverse effects
		F.  	The department’s Patrol Commander shall develop a testing and maintenance 					schedule for all Tasers and the components.

Policy originally issued 8-21-03; this revision becomes effective on 1-1-19 by authority of the Chief of Police.

NOTE:  This policy and procedure summarizes the department’s position on this specific matter.  This policy is for general direction and guidance primarily designed for use by the department’s members.  This policy is for internal use only and does not create or enlarge an officer’s liability in any way.  This policy shall not be construed as the creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party claims.  Violations of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of an internal departmental complaint and then only in a non-judicial administrative setting.