TASER Electronic Control Devices ECDs: Field Data and Risk Management

1. TASER® Electronic Control Devices (ECDs): Field Data and Risk Management

2. Orange Co Sheriff’s Office FLDeputy Injury Reduction Source: “TASER Works So It’s Use Increases,” Ripple, Amy C., Orlando Sentinel, July 29 2002 The Orange County Sheriffs Office deployed the M26 starting in 2001. By 2002, Deputy Injuries had fallen by 80%. In fact, the number of force related injuries increased during this time period by 72% from 410 force incidents in 1999 to an annual rate of 708 force incidents in 2002. If you look at the injury rate, it actually fell by 88%. 1999: 120 injuries / 410 force incidents = 0.29 injuries per force incident 2002: 24 injuries / 708 force incidents = 0.03 injuries per force incident (0.29 - 0.03) / 0.29 = 88% reduction in injury rate.Source: “TASER Works So It’s Use Increases,” Ripple, Amy C., Orlando Sentinel, July 29 2002 The Orange County Sheriffs Office deployed the M26 starting in 2001. By 2002, Deputy Injuries had fallen by 80%. In fact, the number of force related injuries increased during this time period by 72% from 410 force incidents in 1999 to an annual rate of 708 force incidents in 2002. If you look at the injury rate, it actually fell by 88%. 1999: 120 injuries / 410 force incidents = 0.29 injuries per force incident 2002: 24 injuries / 708 force incidents = 0.03 injuries per force incident (0.29 - 0.03) / 0.29 = 88% reduction in injury rate.

3. Phoenix PD AZ First Top-10 City to Deploy to All Patrol Officers Suspect Injuries 2004 USE OF FORCE STUDY, PHOENIX PD During the month of January 2002 the Phoenix Police Department implemented the M26 Advanced TASER with Patrol Officers. One hundred forty-nine TASERs were slotted to Patrol and were issued over the next two months as officers were certified to carry them during a 5-hour operator course. In an attempt to track the use of the TASER and its effectiveness on the street, I began a study of its uses by pulling up use-of-force reports for the period of 6 months prior to the TASER being used in Patrol and 6 months after. The time frame used was August 2001 through August 2002. During this time frame there were eight hundred ninety-nine reported incidents. I found that during the 6 months prior to the TASER being issued to patrol officers, eighty two percent (82%) of the time a use of force incident was reported, the suspect was injured. This figure dropped after the TASER was implemented. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the time, the suspect was injured. A fifty five percent (55%) drop in suspect injuries (ed. or 67% drop in injury rate). For the same time period the number of officer injuries also dropped, from 9.5% of the time the officer was injured to only 7% of the time, after the TASER was issued. Although not as significant, a decrease in officer injuries, none the less. The criteria used for both studies were injuries ranging from lacerations to gunshot wounds. Non visible injuries, abrasions and scratches were not considered for this study. With this information in mind, I request serious consideration be given to arming all of Patrol with this valuable, less lethal tool. PHOENIX PD BECAME THE FIRST TOP 10 CITY TO FULL DEPLOY IN DEC. 2003. USE OF FORCE STUDY, PHOENIX PD During the month of January 2002 the Phoenix Police Department implemented the M26 Advanced TASER with Patrol Officers. One hundred forty-nine TASERs were slotted to Patrol and were issued over the next two months as officers were certified to carry them during a 5-hour operator course. In an attempt to track the use of the TASER and its effectiveness on the street, I began a study of its uses by pulling up use-of-force reports for the period of 6 months prior to the TASER being used in Patrol and 6 months after. The time frame used was August 2001 through August 2002. During this time frame there were eight hundred ninety-nine reported incidents. I found that during the 6 months prior to the TASER being issued to patrol officers, eighty two percent (82%) of the time a use of force incident was reported, the suspect was injured. This figure dropped after the TASER was implemented. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the time, the suspect was injured. A fifty five percent (55%) drop in suspect injuries (ed. or 67% drop in injury rate). For the same time period the number of officer injuries also dropped, from 9.5% of the time the officer was injured to only 7% of the time, after the TASER was issued. Although not as significant, a decrease in officer injuries, none the less. The criteria used for both studies were injuries ranging from lacerations to gunshot wounds. Non visible injuries, abrasions and scratches were not considered for this study. With this information in mind, I request serious consideration be given to arming all of Patrol with this valuable, less lethal tool. PHOENIX PD BECAME THE FIRST TOP 10 CITY TO FULL DEPLOY IN DEC. 2003.

4. Ventura Co Sheriff’s Dept CA 2007 First Year Field TASER ECD Results Deputy Injuries Source: Injuries drop for officers with Tasers, officials say Nonlethal weapons praised By John Scheibe (Contact) Thursday, March 27, 2008 Thursday, March 27, 2008 The Ventura County Sheriff's Department released a study this week showing a big decline in injuries to deputies since they began arming themselves with Taser guns more than a year ago. The study showed a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies in 2007, the first full year in which the department used the electrical stun guns, when compared to the average annual number of injuries for 2003, 2004 and 2005. The department began using Tasers in September 2006. The handguns use compressed nitrogen to fire two dartlike probes, with metal wires attached, into the body. The probes produce up to a five-second electrical surge, causing the suspect to temporarily lose muscular control. "It's unlike anything I've ever felt," said Cmdr. Marty Rouse, who volunteered to be shot with a Taser. "It felt like I'd been hit with a two-by-four." Rouse and a group of others from the Sheriff's Department, including Sheriff Bob Brooks, met with the members of The Star's editorial board Tuesday to review Taser-related statistics for the department. Sheriff's officials had promised to provide these statistics when they decided to adopt the Taser in 2006. They saw the Taser as providing deputies with a less- lethal alternative to bullet-firing weapons. Brooks recalled how the Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies had seen numerous "suicide-by-cop" incidents in which someone deliberately acted in a threatening way hoping to be shot dead by a law enforcement officer. "There were an alarming number of these incidents," he said. The majority of those shot by deputies were mentally ill, Brooks said. Deputies used the Taser 123 times in 2007, said Chief Deputy Chris Godfrey. Of these, deputies were able to subdue someone 107 times. In the 16 times they were not, it was either because they'd failed to get both probes into the subject or they used the Taser only to stun the suspect who did not respond to the pain. Even though the pain is intense, the subjects likely were either enraged enough or intoxicated to the point where the pain was not enough to stop them, Godfrey said. Some of those who were shot with a Taser were injured. "The most significant injury was a laceration to the back of a detainee's head," said Godfrey, adding the injury was caused when the person fell to the ground. Amnesty International estimates hundreds of people have died after being shot with Tasers. But sheriff's officials disputed this assertion, saying they know of no local death that has been specifically linked to the use of Tasers. Ratan Bhavnani, president of the Ventura County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said his organization welcomes any nondeadly restraint that deputies can use. "It is appreciated when compared to something that will kill," Bhavnani said. Bhavnani added that a Taser should be used as a last resort. In fact, sheriff's officials say, deputies are trained to first try to de-escalate a situation by talking with the subject. The training is offered through the Ventura County Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team program, which began in 2001. Ken Rose, a 62-year-old Ventura man who suffers from a bipolar disorder, has participated in the training, playing the role of a mental-health client hunkered down in a manic state. "It's really worthwhile work," Rose said. Unlike many others, Rose can speak from personal experience. He said a police officer shot him in the stomach with a rubber bullet in July 2000. He said the incident occurred because the police had mistakenly been told that he was trying to kill himself through "suicide-by-cop." "Thank God they didn't use lethal force on me," said Rose, who remembers the pain that came from being shot. Contrary to the perception of some, Rose said, all the police officers he's worked with are saddened and often traumatized by having to use lethal force. "I've seen tears well up in the eyes of officers who talk about what it was like to shoot someone," he said. Brooks agrees. He said replacing guns with Tasers when possible will also lead to a decline in staff turnover at his department. Sheriff's representatives will meet with community groups in the coming weeks sharing with them the results of the department's first 18 months of using Tasers. Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/injuries-drop-for-officers-with-tasers-officials/ 2008 Ventura County Star  Source: Injuries drop for officers with Tasers, officials say Nonlethal weapons praised By John Scheibe (Contact) Thursday, March 27, 2008 Thursday, March 27, 2008 The Ventura County Sheriff's Department released a study this week showing a big decline in injuries to deputies since they began arming themselves with Taser guns more than a year ago. The study showed a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies in 2007, the first full year in which the department used the electrical stun guns, when compared to the average annual number of injuries for 2003, 2004 and 2005. The department began using Tasers in September 2006. The handguns use compressed nitrogen to fire two dartlike probes, with metal wires attached, into the body. The probes produce up to a five-second electrical surge, causing the suspect to temporarily lose muscular control. "It's unlike anything I've ever felt," said Cmdr. Marty Rouse, who volunteered to be shot with a Taser. "It felt like I'd been hit with a two-by-four." Rouse and a group of others from the Sheriff's Department, including Sheriff Bob Brooks, met with the members of The Star's editorial board Tuesday to review Taser-related statistics for the department. Sheriff's officials had promised to provide these statistics when they decided to adopt the Taser in 2006. They saw the Taser as providing deputies with a less- lethal alternative to bullet-firing weapons. Brooks recalled how the Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies had seen numerous "suicide-by-cop" incidents in which someone deliberately acted in a threatening way hoping to be shot dead by a law enforcement officer. "There were an alarming number of these incidents," he said. The majority of those shot by deputies were mentally ill, Brooks said. Deputies used the Taser 123 times in 2007, said Chief Deputy Chris Godfrey. Of these, deputies were able to subdue someone 107 times. In the 16 times they were not, it was either because they'd failed to get both probes into the subject or they used the Taser only to stun the suspect who did not respond to the pain. Even though the pain is intense, the subjects likely were either enraged enough or intoxicated to the point where the pain was not enough to stop them, Godfrey said. Some of those who were shot with a Taser were injured. "The most significant injury was a laceration to the back of a detainee's head," said Godfrey, adding the injury was caused when the person fell to the ground. Amnesty International estimates hundreds of people have died after being shot with Tasers. But sheriff's officials disputed this assertion, saying they know of no local death that has been specifically linked to the use of Tasers. Ratan Bhavnani, president of the Ventura County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said his organization welcomes any nondeadly restraint that deputies can use. "It is appreciated when compared to something that will kill," Bhavnani said. Bhavnani added that a Taser should be used as a last resort. In fact, sheriff's officials say, deputies are trained to first try to de-escalate a situation by talking with the subject. The training is offered through the Ventura County Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team program, which began in 2001. Ken Rose, a 62-year-old Ventura man who suffers from a bipolar disorder, has participated in the training, playing the role of a mental-health client hunkered down in a manic state. "It's really worthwhile work," Rose said. Unlike many others, Rose can speak from personal experience. He said a police officer shot him in the stomach with a rubber bullet in July 2000. He said the incident occurred because the police had mistakenly been told that he was trying to kill himself through "suicide-by-cop." "Thank God they didn't use lethal force on me," said Rose, who remembers the pain that came from being shot. Contrary to the perception of some, Rose said, all the police officers he's worked with are saddened and often traumatized by having to use lethal force. "I've seen tears well up in the eyes of officers who talk about what it was like to shoot someone," he said. Brooks agrees. He said replacing guns with Tasers when possible will also lead to a decline in staff turnover at his department. Sheriff's representatives will meet with community groups in the coming weeks sharing with them the results of the department's first 18 months of using Tasers. Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/injuries-drop-for-officers-with-tasers-officials/

5. Ventura Co Sheriff’s Dept CA 2007 Deputy Injury Reduction According to the Ventura County Star, this injury decrease, “keeps highly trained deputies on the job. For example, in 2006, 24 deputies were injured, in 2005, the number was 37. In all of 2007, 10 deputies were injured.” 72 percent reduction from previous years. “The resulting savings in Workers' Compensation rates and retirement costs are significant.” “The upshot is that, so far, TASER (ECDs) have proved to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, saving money, careers and, most importantly, lives.” Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/tasers-prove-their-worth/   Editorial: Tasers prove their worth - A less-than-lethal choice Thursday, March 27, 2008   When the Ventura County Sheriff's Department decided just over a year ago to arm its deputies with Tasers, The Star asked for an annual report so the public could evaluate their use and gauge their effectiveness. The department responded, and the numbers show Tasers — small handheld weapons that deliver an electrical shock to a violent suspect — have reduced the risk of injury to deputies, offenders and members of the public. Remarkably, Ventura County sheriff's deputies have not been forced to shoot anyone with a gun since 2006, a statistic the Sheriff's Department attributes to Tasers being fully implemented by the department. From 2000 to 2006, there were, by comparison, 17 deputy-involved shootings in the Ventura County sheriff's jurisdiction. Statistics kept since 2002 indicate that the majority of those shootings involved suspects who were mentally ill. In 2007, deputies used Tasers approximately 123 times or just over 10 times a month, Chris Godfrey, a commander in the Sheriff's Department, told The Star's Editorial Board at a meeting Tuesday. Of the 123 total uses, confrontations were resolved successfully 107 times. Tasers have proved to be so useful to law enforcement that all police departments in Ventura County now use them, according to Cmdr. Godfrey. For the most part, deputies used their Tasers in situations such as suicide prevention, pursuits, subduing the emotionally disturbed and those under the influence of alcohol and drugs. All those hit with a Taser, via dart-like probes, became incapacitated. However, once the Taser is shut off, those hit recover immediately. Cmdr. Marty Rouse knows firsthand what it feels like, having been "tased" during training. "It is like all your organs are doing a dance," he told The Star Editorial Board. "It's incapacitation." Among the department's 2007 findings: — In 22 incidents, fear of being hit with a Taser was enough to make a suspect quit resisting and surrender. — Since deputies have been armed with Tasers, there has been a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies from previous years. This keeps highly trained deputies on the job. For example, in 2006, 24 deputies were injured, in 2005, the number was 37. In all of 2007, 10 deputies were injured. — The resulting savings in Workers' Compensation rates and retirement costs are significant. — The most serious injury to a suspect hit with a Taser was a cut to the back of the head. — There were no lawsuits filed related to the department's use of the Taser. — Taser use prevented the need for lethal force during one incident and very likely saved the life of a suicidal person in another. There are several reasons for these positive results. The department strictly supervises the use of Tasers. It closely reviews each use of a Taser and adjusts its policy when needed. The department is keenly aware of public opinion and its rigid guidelines reflect its importance. The upshot is that, so far, Tasers have proved to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, saving money, careers and, most importantly, lives. Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/tasers-prove-their-worth/   Editorial: Tasers prove their worth - A less-than-lethal choice Thursday, March 27, 2008   When the Ventura County Sheriff's Department decided just over a year ago to arm its deputies with Tasers, The Star asked for an annual report so the public could evaluate their use and gauge their effectiveness. The department responded, and the numbers show Tasers — small handheld weapons that deliver an electrical shock to a violent suspect — have reduced the risk of injury to deputies, offenders and members of the public. Remarkably, Ventura County sheriff's deputies have not been forced to shoot anyone with a gun since 2006, a statistic the Sheriff's Department attributes to Tasers being fully implemented by the department. From 2000 to 2006, there were, by comparison, 17 deputy-involved shootings in the Ventura County sheriff's jurisdiction. Statistics kept since 2002 indicate that the majority of those shootings involved suspects who were mentally ill. In 2007, deputies used Tasers approximately 123 times or just over 10 times a month, Chris Godfrey, a commander in the Sheriff's Department, told The Star's Editorial Board at a meeting Tuesday. Of the 123 total uses, confrontations were resolved successfully 107 times. Tasers have proved to be so useful to law enforcement that all police departments in Ventura County now use them, according to Cmdr. Godfrey. For the most part, deputies used their Tasers in situations such as suicide prevention, pursuits, subduing the emotionally disturbed and those under the influence of alcohol and drugs. All those hit with a Taser, via dart-like probes, became incapacitated. However, once the Taser is shut off, those hit recover immediately. Cmdr. Marty Rouse knows firsthand what it feels like, having been "tased" during training. "It is like all your organs are doing a dance," he told The Star Editorial Board. "It's incapacitation." Among the department's 2007 findings: — In 22 incidents, fear of being hit with a Taser was enough to make a suspect quit resisting and surrender. — Since deputies have been armed with Tasers, there has been a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies from previous years. This keeps highly trained deputies on the job. For example, in 2006, 24 deputies were injured, in 2005, the number was 37. In all of 2007, 10 deputies were injured. — The resulting savings in Workers' Compensation rates and retirement costs are significant. — The most serious injury to a suspect hit with a Taser was a cut to the back of the head. — There were no lawsuits filed related to the department's use of the Taser. — Taser use prevented the need for lethal force during one incident and very likely saved the life of a suicidal person in another. There are several reasons for these positive results. The department strictly supervises the use of Tasers. It closely reviews each use of a Taser and adjusts its policy when needed. The department is keenly aware of public opinion and its rigid guidelines reflect its importance. The upshot is that, so far, Tasers have proved to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, saving money, careers and, most importantly, lives.

6. Durham PD NC Use of Force Reports 2008 Source: Tasers Cut Injuries, Durham NC Police Say Physical Contact With Suspects Falls Over 6 Months  Stanley B. Chambers Jr., Staff Writer Comment on this story  DURHAM, NC - Durham police say six months after the police force began using Tasers that the number of times officers were involved physically with crime suspects has declined. Physical contact with suspects has declined from an average of six to 1.5 incidents per month, according to police. Pepper spray use is down from 3.8 to 0.75 times a month on average. And use of force reports have been reduced by half. On average, Durham officers have fired their Tasers three times a month during the six-month period. Durham police don't keep track of the number of times an officer points a Taser at someone without firing. About 100 of the department's 512 sworn officers have been issued the weapon. "The No. 1 thing is that it cuts down on injury," said Lt. John Shelton, who oversees the department's Taser program. "The more often a suspect and officer engage in physical confrontation, the more likely someone will get hurt." Tasers, which resemble handguns, produce jolts of electricity using metal prongs that attach to a person's skin or clothing. The painful jolt is intended to immobilize suspects so officers can detain them without injury. More than 12,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies have them. Durham police spent three years reviewing the weapon's safety and use before buying the Taser X26 model, using about $135,000 in drug-seizure and money-forfeiture funds. The model can record video and audio of its usage. Under Durham police policy, Tasers are appropriate for use in the same situations that pepper spray might be employed, such as during a fight. That ranking within the "use-of-force continuum" -- the policy that determines the amount of force an officer can use in a situation -- means that Tasers are suitable for use before an officer resorts to physical force, the use of impact weapons such as a baton or the firing of a handgun. Officers are finding that just having the weapon is a deterrent, Shelton said. He said fights have stopped when a Taser is seen in an officer's holster. In August, an officer used the weapon to stop a suicidal person from further stabbing herself. About a week later, another officer used a Taser to stop a woman who was holding two knives while a second officer had a handgun pointed at her. "It's proving to be what we knew it would be," assistant police chief B.J. Council said. No one has been hospitalized from a Taser jolt, Shelton said. He said the department received one citizen complaint about Taser use, but a review determined the complaint to be unsubstantiated. The department hopes to eventually arm all patrol officers with Tasers, but that will be based on whether the department can afford it.   stan.chambers@newsobserver.com or 919-932-2025 Source: Tasers Cut Injuries, Durham NC Police Say Physical Contact With Suspects Falls Over 6 Months  Stanley B. Chambers Jr., Staff Writer Comment on this story  DURHAM, NC - Durham police say six months after the police force began using Tasers that the number of times officers were involved physically with crime suspects has declined. Physical contact with suspects has declined from an average of six to 1.5 incidents per month, according to police. Pepper spray use is down from 3.8 to 0.75 times a month on average. And use of force reports have been reduced by half. On average, Durham officers have fired their Tasers three times a month during the six-month period. Durham police don't keep track of the number of times an officer points a Taser at someone without firing. About 100 of the department's 512 sworn officers have been issued the weapon. "The No. 1 thing is that it cuts down on injury," said Lt. John Shelton, who oversees the department's Taser program. "The more often a suspect and officer engage in physical confrontation, the more likely someone will get hurt." Tasers, which resemble handguns, produce jolts of electricity using metal prongs that attach to a person's skin or clothing. The painful jolt is intended to immobilize suspects so officers can detain them without injury. More than 12,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies have them. Durham police spent three years reviewing the weapon's safety and use before buying the Taser X26 model, using about $135,000 in drug-seizure and money-forfeiture funds. The model can record video and audio of its usage. Under Durham police policy, Tasers are appropriate for use in the same situations that pepper spray might be employed, such as during a fight. That ranking within the "use-of-force continuum" -- the policy that determines the amount of force an officer can use in a situation -- means that Tasers are suitable for use before an officer resorts to physical force, the use of impact weapons such as a baton or the firing of a handgun. Officers are finding that just having the weapon is a deterrent, Shelton said. He said fights have stopped when a Taser is seen in an officer's holster. In August, an officer used the weapon to stop a suicidal person from further stabbing herself. About a week later, another officer used a Taser to stop a woman who was holding two knives while a second officer had a handgun pointed at her. "It's proving to be what we knew it would be," assistant police chief B.J. Council said. No one has been hospitalized from a Taser jolt, Shelton said. He said the department received one citizen complaint about Taser use, but a review determined the complaint to be unsubstantiated. The department hopes to eventually arm all patrol officers with Tasers, but that will be based on whether the department can afford it.   stan.chambers@newsobserver.com or 919-932-2025

7. Wichita Police Dept KS Injuries Two Year Review 2006-2007 1153 TASER ECD incidents in 2006-2007 with 567 actual deployments When deployed: 21 injuries to suspects 62 secondary injuries (fall, cut, etc.) 19 officers injured In the first year officer injuries went down 45.8% and for the year 2007 they went down another 28% Source: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Two Presented by Lt. Kevin VaughnSource: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Two Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn

8. Wichita Police Dept KS Prevent Higher Escalation of Force 2007 Source: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Twq Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn circa 06 18 07Source: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Twq Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn circa 06 18 07

9. Glenn Co Sheriff's Office CA Deputy Injuries 2006-209 -----Original Message-----From: Sgt. Todd James [mailto:tjames@countyofglenn.net] Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 8:21 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: Sacramento PD CA Wrongful Death Case is Dismissed   Hey Steve, The Glenn County Sheriff's office uses the Taser equal to OC as far as the level of force. During the 2006 year we deployed the Taser 14 times with no injury to officers or suspects. All 14 times the TASER was affective in taking the suspects into custody.   Sgt. Todd James Glenn County Sheriff's Office Source 2: From: Sgt. Todd James [mailto:tjames@countyofglenn.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 4:39 PMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: Glenn Co TASER Stats update   Ok   Year 2007 we had 9 deployments   Year 2008 we had 12 deployments Injuries to Deputy in 07  NONE Injuries to suspect in 07 NONE Injuries to Deputy in 08 NONE Injuries to suspect in 08 NONE All deployments were effective and suspects taken into custody. I hope this is what you wanted in you want more info on the deployments let me know.     Sgt. Todd James From: Steve Tuttle [mailto:Steve@taser.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 3:01 PMTo: 'Sgt. Todd James'Subject: RE: Glenn Co TASER Stats update   2008 stats would be great!  (of course, I’d love 07 IF you have them)   Sincerely, Steve Tuttle Vice President of Communications   Protect the lives that matter most to you with the new TASER C2 Personal Protector - www.TASER.com   TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) 17800 N. 85th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 800-978-2737 ext. 2006 Fax 480-515-6306 Media Hotline:  480-444-4000 Email:  Steve@TASER.com Twitter:  http://twitter.com/SteveTASER Blog:  http://blog.taser.com/     TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) is a company committed to protect life by providing advanced personal protection technology which minimizes the risk of serious injury. -----Original Message-----From: Sgt. Todd James [mailto:tjames@countyofglenn.net] Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 8:21 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: Sacramento PD CA Wrongful Death Case is Dismissed   Hey Steve, The Glenn County Sheriff's office uses the Taser equal to OC as far as the level of force. During the 2006 year we deployed the Taser 14 times with no injury to officers or suspects. All 14 times the TASER was affective in taking the suspects into custody.   Sgt. Todd James Glenn County Sheriff's Office Source 2: From: Sgt. Todd James [mailto:tjames@countyofglenn.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 4:39 PMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: Glenn Co TASER Stats update   Ok   Year 2007 we had 9 deployments   Year 2008 we had 12 deployments Injuries to Deputy in 07  NONE Injuries to suspect in 07 NONE Injuries to Deputy in 08 NONE Injuries to suspect in 08 NONE All deployments were effective and suspects taken into custody. I hope this is what you wanted in you want more info on the deployments let me know.     Sgt. Todd James From: Steve Tuttle [mailto:Steve@taser.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 3:01 PMTo: 'Sgt. Todd James'Subject: RE: Glenn Co TASER Stats update   2008 stats would be great!  (of course, I’d love 07 IF you have them)   Sincerely, Steve Tuttle Vice President of Communications   Protect the lives that matter most to you with the new TASER C2 Personal Protector - www.TASER.com   TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) 17800 N. 85th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 800-978-2737 ext. 2006 Fax 480-515-6306 Media Hotline:  480-444-4000 Email:  Steve@TASER.com Twitter:  http://twitter.com/SteveTASER Blog:  http://blog.taser.com/     TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) is a company committed to protect life by providing advanced personal protection technology which minimizes the risk of serious injury.

10. Maui Police Dept HI Officer and Suspect Injuries Decline as TASER ECD Use Rises Despite Use of Force Increases During 2004-2008 Source: http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/515156.html Officer injuries decline as Taser use rises Of 17 injured in ’08, only 6 received medical attention By LILA FUJIMOTO, Staff Writer POSTED: February 21, 2009 WAILUKU - Since Maui police began using Taser stun guns five years ago, the rate of injury to officers arresting uncooperative suspects has declined, police reported this week. In the 215 cases where police reported using physical force against suspects last year, 17 officers were injured, for a rate of 8 percent, said Greer Prince, Maui Police Department research analyst. That compares with a 15 percent injury rate in 2004, when Wailuku Patrol District officers began using Tasers in October. That year, 26 officers were injured in 169 use-of-force cases. Tasers, which were being used by officers throughout the department in 2005, can deliver an electrical shock of 50,000 volts to immobilize some suspects. Of the 17 officers injured in the use-of-force cases last year, six received medical attention, with only two going to a medical facility for treatment, Prince said. "It says a lot for our officers' skills and abilities that only six were injured and had to receive some sort of medical attention," she said during a presentation Wednesday to the Maui County Police Commission. She said police responded to more than 101,000 calls for service and made more than 8,000 arrests in 2008, using physical force in only 2.7 percent of arrests. The statistics don't include reports from a fatal shooting by officers last year. Police were executing a drug search warrant at a residence on Hoomaha Road in Makawao at about 6 a.m. April 11 when officers fired at least two dozen rounds into a Toyota sedan that police said was being driven toward the officers. After being shot, George Brittain Jr., 38, drove about a mile to a house on Hoopono Place in Makawao, where he died. Police said the shooting remains under investigation. About one-third, or nearly 34 percent, of suspects in the documented use-of-force cases were arrested for disorderly conduct, followed by nearly 15 percent for resisting arrest, 7 percent for harassment and nearly 7 percent for abuse. Of those arrested, 59 percent were impaired by alcohol or drug use. The average age was 32, with the youngest suspect 14 and the oldest 77. Seventy-eight percent were males, down from 87 percent in 2007. Officers used physical force in response to physical confrontations with suspects in 180 cases and verbal confrontations in 28 cases. In seven cases, suspects used or tried to use a weapon against officers. The weapons included vehicles, a large rock, a beer bottle and, in one case, an officer's Taser. In that case, Prince said the officer had responded to a disorderly conduct report and the suspect had a pit bull attack the officer before pulling the wires attached to the officer's Taser. The officer drew his firearm in that case, she said. Officers reported using pepper spray twice and deploying Tasers 78 times last year, down from 87 times in 2007, Prince said. Police wrestled suspects to the ground in 74 incidents, used wrist locks to subdue suspects in 100 cases and used neck restraints four times. Suspects were injured in 37 percent of cases, with 58 people reporting pain or abrasions, 15 having lacerations, five having contusions and two suffering fractures. Forty-nine of the suspects received medical attention. Last year, 37 percent of the suspects suffered injuries when officers used physical force to make arrests, down from 44 percent in 2004. Four other cases involved use of force against an animal, Prince said. * Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.Source: http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/515156.html Officer injuries decline as Taser use rises Of 17 injured in ’08, only 6 received medical attention By LILA FUJIMOTO, Staff Writer POSTED: February 21, 2009 WAILUKU - Since Maui police began using Taser stun guns five years ago, the rate of injury to officers arresting uncooperative suspects has declined, police reported this week. In the 215 cases where police reported using physical force against suspects last year, 17 officers were injured, for a rate of 8 percent, said Greer Prince, Maui Police Department research analyst. That compares with a 15 percent injury rate in 2004, when Wailuku Patrol District officers began using Tasers in October. That year, 26 officers were injured in 169 use-of-force cases. Tasers, which were being used by officers throughout the department in 2005, can deliver an electrical shock of 50,000 volts to immobilize some suspects. Of the 17 officers injured in the use-of-force cases last year, six received medical attention, with only two going to a medical facility for treatment, Prince said. "It says a lot for our officers' skills and abilities that only six were injured and had to receive some sort of medical attention," she said during a presentation Wednesday to the Maui County Police Commission. She said police responded to more than 101,000 calls for service and made more than 8,000 arrests in 2008, using physical force in only 2.7 percent of arrests. The statistics don't include reports from a fatal shooting by officers last year. Police were executing a drug search warrant at a residence on Hoomaha Road in Makawao at about 6 a.m. April 11 when officers fired at least two dozen rounds into a Toyota sedan that police said was being driven toward the officers. After being shot, George Brittain Jr., 38, drove about a mile to a house on Hoopono Place in Makawao, where he died. Police said the shooting remains under investigation. About one-third, or nearly 34 percent, of suspects in the documented use-of-force cases were arrested for disorderly conduct, followed by nearly 15 percent for resisting arrest, 7 percent for harassment and nearly 7 percent for abuse. Of those arrested, 59 percent were impaired by alcohol or drug use. The average age was 32, with the youngest suspect 14 and the oldest 77. Seventy-eight percent were males, down from 87 percent in 2007. Officers used physical force in response to physical confrontations with suspects in 180 cases and verbal confrontations in 28 cases. In seven cases, suspects used or tried to use a weapon against officers. The weapons included vehicles, a large rock, a beer bottle and, in one case, an officer's Taser. In that case, Prince said the officer had responded to a disorderly conduct report and the suspect had a pit bull attack the officer before pulling the wires attached to the officer's Taser. The officer drew his firearm in that case, she said. Officers reported using pepper spray twice and deploying Tasers 78 times last year, down from 87 times in 2007, Prince said. Police wrestled suspects to the ground in 74 incidents, used wrist locks to subdue suspects in 100 cases and used neck restraints four times. Suspects were injured in 37 percent of cases, with 58 people reporting pain or abrasions, 15 having lacerations, five having contusions and two suffering fractures. Forty-nine of the suspects received medical attention. Last year, 37 percent of the suspects suffered injuries when officers used physical force to make arrests, down from 44 percent in 2004. Four other cases involved use of force against an animal, Prince said. * Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

11. Putnam Co Sheriff’s FL Deputy Injuries 2005: M26 for ALL Patrol Deputies THE PALATKA DAILY NEWS - FLORIDA Sheriff's report: Kelly: TASERs promote safety, office making strides August 11, 2006 By Wes Wolfe PALATKA, FL -- The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office released its 2005 annual report this week, a report that left Sheriff Dean Kelly feeling good while knowing there is more to accomplish. “I’m very pleased, but I’m not satisfied, because I think there’s more that we can do,” Kelly said. “We’re going to continue to move forward. We’ve got a great staff that’s worked very closely with me, providing good customer service, taking care of our folks in the county and we look forward to continuing that. We think the first year in office went very well and we met all of our commitments that I made during the campaign and we’ll continue to do that.” In one revelation, the report stated injuries to deputies dropped 86 percent since the universal adoption of TASERs for sworn officers. “We haven’t had an officer, thank the good Lord, injured in making a physical arrest in two or three years to any extent where treatment was required,” Kelly said. “Not only do TASERs help our officers, but we’ve seen far fewer injuries to the persons being arrested, because we’re not having to fight with them. So, it’s a win-win situation for the officer, for the suspect being arrested and for the taxpayers, because if we’re injured or the suspect’s injured, that’s who’s paying the bill.” Maj. Keith Riddick concurred, adding TASERs were one more nonlethal step a deputy can make in subduing a dangerous or uncooperative suspect before pulling a gun. According to Maj. Gary Bowling, a Taser has all of the desired effects with none of the negative effects. “It’s nearly 100 percent incapacitating with zero residual effects, as opposed to pepper spray, baton and all those things,” Bowling said. “It’s just that one thing that works nearly all the time and then when it’s over it’s over.” The sheriff’s office received their first TASERs, a batch of six, in 1999. By 2002, every deputy was equipped with one. Kelly, though, said it’s only a small part of what the office does. “That’s one very small part of what we do,” Kelly said. “All the other improvements we made all go toward the same goal: better customer service, protecting our people.”THE PALATKA DAILY NEWS - FLORIDA Sheriff's report: Kelly: TASERs promote safety, office making strides August 11, 2006 By Wes Wolfe PALATKA, FL -- The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office released its 2005 annual report this week, a report that left Sheriff Dean Kelly feeling good while knowing there is more to accomplish. “I’m very pleased, but I’m not satisfied, because I think there’s more that we can do,” Kelly said. “We’re going to continue to move forward. We’ve got a great staff that’s worked very closely with me, providing good customer service, taking care of our folks in the county and we look forward to continuing that. We think the first year in office went very well and we met all of our commitments that I made during the campaign and we’ll continue to do that.” In one revelation, the report stated injuries to deputies dropped 86 percent since the universal adoption of TASERs for sworn officers. “We haven’t had an officer, thank the good Lord, injured in making a physical arrest in two or three years to any extent where treatment was required,” Kelly said. “Not only do TASERs help our officers, but we’ve seen far fewer injuries to the persons being arrested, because we’re not having to fight with them. So, it’s a win-win situation for the officer, for the suspect being arrested and for the taxpayers, because if we’re injured or the suspect’s injured, that’s who’s paying the bill.” Maj. Keith Riddick concurred, adding TASERs were one more nonlethal step a deputy can make in subduing a dangerous or uncooperative suspect before pulling a gun. According to Maj. Gary Bowling, a Taser has all of the desired effects with none of the negative effects. “It’s nearly 100 percent incapacitating with zero residual effects, as opposed to pepper spray, baton and all those things,” Bowling said. “It’s just that one thing that works nearly all the time and then when it’s over it’s over.” The sheriff’s office received their first TASERs, a batch of six, in 1999. By 2002, every deputy was equipped with one. Kelly, though, said it’s only a small part of what the office does. “That’s one very small part of what we do,” Kelly said. “All the other improvements we made all go toward the same goal: better customer service, protecting our people.”

12. Putnam Co Sheriff’s FL 2007 Field Statistics   Source: http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2008/03/22/news/news01.txt tun guns credited for fewer injuries, less firearm use March 23, 2008 By Ron Bartlett  Putnam County deputies used force 82 times last year, and more than half involved a Taser, a stun gun that uses electricity to subdue its target. Deputies fired their sidearms only three times. Stun guns have reduced injuries to both officers and civilians and diminished the reliance on firearms, pepper spray or batons in confrontations, local officials say. “When you hit someone with a baton, you’re going to do damage, period,” said Maj. Gary Bowling, chief of patrol for the sheriff’s office and the agency’s lead trainer on Taser use. “When you spray someone (with pepper spray), you’re going to over-contaminate and we know there are deaths related to its (use),” he said. “Is it the first choice? I think it’s the best choice in most situations.” Palatka police officer Ray Streets is a veteran patrolman with more than 15 years on the road. He said officers armed with Tasers have an advantage even without using the device. “It’s a very intimidating tool for us as far as dealing with criminals,” he said. “They (criminals) will flat out tell you they don’t want to be Tased.” The stun gun’s growing prevalence is reflected in American’s vocabulary. The name of the device has become a verb, as in “to Tase,” “Tased” or “Tasing.” Streets said most people have seen one used on television or in person. “Really, all you have to do is say the word and a lot of people will heed what you’re saying,” he said. “Being Tased is their biggest fear.” Bowling said the device has made patrol work safer. “We went from seeing officers injured frequently in arrest sequences to it being practically negligible,” he said. “We’ve actually lost track of the last documentable officer injury as a result of physical struggle with a suspect. We think it was in 2000 or 2001.” Palatka decided to equip its entire department with Tasers after only two months of testing in the fall of 2001. The sheriff’s office got its first six Tasers in 1999, giving them first to supervisors. By 2001, the stun gun became standard equipment. Now, every officer or deputy in uniform — from the courthouse to the jail to the street — has a Taser within reach in a cross-draw holster. Bowling said the sheriff’s office closely monitors not only stun gun use, but also other methods of force. “Every single incident where force is used is documented and reviewed,” he said. “You throw someone down or you ‘Tase’ them or pull a gun, it has to be accounted for. The deputy has to explain why he deemed it necessary.” A review of 2007 “Use of Force” reports for Palatka Police and the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office was conducted by the Daily News. It showed that Tasers account for just over half of the incidents that force was deemed necessary. In 82 reported sheriff’s cases requiring force, 46 utilized a Taser — either successfully or unsuccessfully. By comparison guns were fired during only three incidents. Eighteen other “Use of Force” reports consisted of physical takedowns by deputies, police dog takedowns and pepper spray use. Once during 2007, a deputy deployed his Taser against a 17-year-old Interlachen High School student. Another student, 15, at Crescent City Junior-Senior High, was threatened with one before complying with orders. Palatka Police had 18 total “Use of Force” reports in 2007, with Tasers accounting for 10 of them. Firearms were discharged in two incidents with Lawrence Floyd, who was later killed after a showdown at a Palatka housing project. Palatka police had four other reports, including a hand-to-hand altercation and four times when pepper spray was used. In 2006, Palatka listed 11 use-of-force incidents, seven of which involved Tasers. “In the lives and memories of the people that have been around, that are my age, it’s the biggest tool to come along in law enforcement,” Bowling said.  Source: http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2008/03/22/news/news01.txt tun guns credited for fewer injuries, less firearm use March 23, 2008 By Ron Bartlett  Putnam County deputies used force 82 times last year, and more than half involved a Taser, a stun gun that uses electricity to subdue its target. Deputies fired their sidearms only three times. Stun guns have reduced injuries to both officers and civilians and diminished the reliance on firearms, pepper spray or batons in confrontations, local officials say. “When you hit someone with a baton, you’re going to do damage, period,” said Maj. Gary Bowling, chief of patrol for the sheriff’s office and the agency’s lead trainer on Taser use. “When you spray someone (with pepper spray), you’re going to over-contaminate and we know there are deaths related to its (use),” he said. “Is it the first choice? I think it’s the best choice in most situations.” Palatka police officer Ray Streets is a veteran patrolman with more than 15 years on the road. He said officers armed with Tasers have an advantage even without using the device. “It’s a very intimidating tool for us as far as dealing with criminals,” he said. “They (criminals) will flat out tell you they don’t want to be Tased.” The stun gun’s growing prevalence is reflected in American’s vocabulary. The name of the device has become a verb, as in “to Tase,” “Tased” or “Tasing.” Streets said most people have seen one used on television or in person. “Really, all you have to do is say the word and a lot of people will heed what you’re saying,” he said. “Being Tased is their biggest fear.” Bowling said the device has made patrol work safer. “We went from seeing officers injured frequently in arrest sequences to it being practically negligible,” he said. “We’ve actually lost track of the last documentable officer injury as a result of physical struggle with a suspect. We think it was in 2000 or 2001.” Palatka decided to equip its entire department with Tasers after only two months of testing in the fall of 2001. The sheriff’s office got its first six Tasers in 1999, giving them first to supervisors. By 2001, the stun gun became standard equipment. Now, every officer or deputy in uniform — from the courthouse to the jail to the street — has a Taser within reach in a cross-draw holster. Bowling said the sheriff’s office closely monitors not only stun gun use, but also other methods of force. “Every single incident where force is used is documented and reviewed,” he said. “You throw someone down or you ‘Tase’ them or pull a gun, it has to be accounted for. The deputy has to explain why he deemed it necessary.” A review of 2007 “Use of Force” reports for Palatka Police and the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office was conducted by the Daily News. It showed that Tasers account for just over half of the incidents that force was deemed necessary. In 82 reported sheriff’s cases requiring force, 46 utilized a Taser — either successfully or unsuccessfully. By comparison guns were fired during only three incidents. Eighteen other “Use of Force” reports consisted of physical takedowns by deputies, police dog takedowns and pepper spray use. Once during 2007, a deputy deployed his Taser against a 17-year-old Interlachen High School student. Another student, 15, at Crescent City Junior-Senior High, was threatened with one before complying with orders. Palatka Police had 18 total “Use of Force” reports in 2007, with Tasers accounting for 10 of them. Firearms were discharged in two incidents with Lawrence Floyd, who was later killed after a showdown at a Palatka housing project. Palatka police had four other reports, including a hand-to-hand altercation and four times when pepper spray was used. In 2006, Palatka listed 11 use-of-force incidents, seven of which involved Tasers. “In the lives and memories of the people that have been around, that are my age, it’s the biggest tool to come along in law enforcement,” Bowling said.

13. South Bend Police Dept IN Officer Injuries 2004 Source: Journal Gazette, March 06, 2006. Statistics prove Tasers keep officers safer Posted: 03/10/2004 04:32 pm /Last Updated: 03/11/2004 12:14 am Story filed by NewsCenter16 Reporter Mark Peterson In June of 2003 officers who patrol the streets of South Bend started carrying Tasers, devices that use an electronic charge, to temporarily render suspects helpless. The latest statistics indicate the Tasers have been used on a daily basis and that the devices have made the job of policing the streets a safer one. The statistics on just how effective these Tasers can be in the hands of police officers come at the same time the South Bend city council banned ordinary citizens from using the devices for personal protection. South Bend police officers were first trained in the use of Taser guns last summer.  Since then they've been used on the streets on pretty much a daily basis. Sgt. Scott Ruszkowski with the South Bend Police Department says, “We can avoid having to use night sticks or pepper spray. Instead of going to an actual physical confrontation, that can be avoided by the use of this and have the situation over with in a matter of five to ten seconds.” Statistics show police have used their Tasers about once a day or a total of 190 times from June 13th till the end of 2003. During that same period officer injuries were down by 66%. In other words, a total of 15 officers were injured on duty during the first half of 2003 without Tasers compared to just five injuries during the last half of the year with Tasers. A new city ordinance passed on Monday bans ordinary citizens from possessing stun guns and Tasers in South Bend. Some wonder why a product that has seemingly done so much to protect police can no longer be used for personal protection. Jeff Foster with the Midwest Gun Exchange says, “We've had a lot of calls already that since they banned the stun guns people say they’re just going to come in and buy a gun now.” Since police still carry guns along with their Tasers, Foster feels the threat Tasers pose to officers is minimal. “It's all the old adage of taking a knife to a gun fight. Nobody does it. Who is going to take an air Taser to a gunfight? Just doesn't make sense,” says Foster. “It takes away one more right of somebody who lives in the city of South Bend to be able to protect themselves legitimately.” The police union itself pushed for the stun gun ban after seeing just how effective these weapons were. The bottom line is police just don't want to see the devices fall into the wrong hands, even if that means keeping them out of everyone's hands.Source: Journal Gazette, March 06, 2006. Statistics prove Tasers keep officers safer Posted: 03/10/2004 04:32 pm /Last Updated: 03/11/2004 12:14 am Story filed by NewsCenter16 Reporter Mark Peterson In June of 2003 officers who patrol the streets of South Bend started carrying Tasers, devices that use an electronic charge, to temporarily render suspects helpless. The latest statistics indicate the Tasers have been used on a daily basis and that the devices have made the job of policing the streets a safer one. The statistics on just how effective these Tasers can be in the hands of police officers come at the same time the South Bend city council banned ordinary citizens from using the devices for personal protection. South Bend police officers were first trained in the use of Taser guns last summer.  Since then they've been used on the streets on pretty much a daily basis. Sgt. Scott Ruszkowski with the South Bend Police Department says, “We can avoid having to use night sticks or pepper spray. Instead of going to an actual physical confrontation, that can be avoided by the use of this and have the situation over with in a matter of five to ten seconds.” Statistics show police have used their Tasers about once a day or a total of 190 times from June 13th till the end of 2003. During that same period officer injuries were down by 66%. In other words, a total of 15 officers were injured on duty during the first half of 2003 without Tasers compared to just five injuries during the last half of the year with Tasers. A new city ordinance passed on Monday bans ordinary citizens from possessing stun guns and Tasers in South Bend. Some wonder why a product that has seemingly done so much to protect police can no longer be used for personal protection. Jeff Foster with the Midwest Gun Exchange says, “We've had a lot of calls already that since they banned the stun guns people say they’re just going to come in and buy a gun now.” Since police still carry guns along with their Tasers, Foster feels the threat Tasers pose to officers is minimal. “It's all the old adage of taking a knife to a gun fight. Nobody does it. Who is going to take an air Taser to a gunfight? Just doesn't make sense,” says Foster. “It takes away one more right of somebody who lives in the city of South Bend to be able to protect themselves legitimately.” The police union itself pushed for the stun gun ban after seeing just how effective these weapons were. The bottom line is police just don't want to see the devices fall into the wrong hands, even if that means keeping them out of everyone's hands.

14. Fort Wayne Tasers to be under tight reins City Tasers to be under tight reinsUse limited to SWAT team, but critics still fearing abuseBy Masaaki HaradaThe Journal Gazette http://www.theppsc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=743 Circa November 2006 Fort Wayne police officers will soon begin using stun guns, but on a much smaller scale than originally planned and according to newly established guidelines.Police Chief Rusty York announced a pilot program involving six Taser stun guns used by officers with the department’s Emergency Service Team – Fort Wayne’s SWAT team. The announcement in late January came almost one year after the chief had formally forgone the purchase of 83 Tasers.Sgt. Scott Caudill and Sgt. Scott Berning, certified Taser instructors, will teach other Emergency Service Team members this week how to handle the weapon. York is unsure when officers will begin using the weapons on the job, he said.Taser International, which manufactures the stun guns, says they have been proven to reduce injuries among officers and criminal suspects. Records kept by some area police departments support that assertion.Although York has assured critics of his plan that the department’s use of the weapon will be restricted, some citizens are afraid officers will abuse their power.Tasers can shoot two small probes as quickly as 25 feet at a speed of 160 feet per second. The probes, which make contact with the body or clothing, are connected to the weapon’s core by insulated wire. A 5-second electrical signal is transmitted through the probes, resulting “in an immediate loss of the person’s neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse,” according to Taser’s marketing materials.Model guidelines established in October by the Police Executive Research Forum based in Washington made York reconsider using Tasers, he said.The guidelines, which York said are the first of their kind created by an organization independent from the manufacturer or civil rights advocates, prohibit police from jolting a person who is not aggressive.The guidelines, which Fort Wayne police will follow, prohibit officers from using the weapon against the elderly, children, visibly frail people and pregnant women.To further ensure safety, the guidelines allow only one officer to activate a Taser at a time. Police can’t use Tasers on people who would be harmed if they fell.People shot by Tasers are to receive a medical evaluation and be monitored regularly while in custody, the guidelines say.By limiting the use of Tasers to officers with the Emergency Services Team, York expects the weapon will be used only in critical cases – not nearly as often as if they were used by patrol officers.“(Tasers) will be something that we won’t use every time they are called out, but when there is a situation that calls for it, I want to be able to have them,” York said. “I want to make sure they have every tool possible to keep themselves safe as well as those people they are encountering.”The six Tasers will be either carried by supervisors or kept in kept in the Tactical Operation Center. Officers will receive the weapons only when the Emergency Services Team chooses them as the weapon of choice at the scene, which could be a hostage situation, drug bust or suicide threat.“The officers in the EST team are the most highly trained officers within the department as far as with the use of lethal and non-lethal forces,” York said. “So, we’ll have a very controlled look at the effectiveness of Tasers,” he said. Proven effectivenessFor police officers in South Bend, using Tasers has become part of a daily routine.Since July 2003, the police force for the city of 110,000 residents used Tasers 632 times, said Gary Horvath, chief of community relations. No serious injuries have occurred because of Tasers’ use, he said.More than 200 Tasers were distributed to all patrol officers and half of the city’s detectives. The department plans to arm all 261 sworn officers with Tasers by the end of this year.During a six-month period in 2004, the department had 66 percent fewer injuries to officers. That fact alone proves Tasers were a success, Horvath said.“Before, we used to have officers who got broken hands or broken arms – you name it – in physical altercations,” Horvath said. “Nowadays, instead of having officers off for six months for various broken bones, the worst thing we see happening to officers are bad knees sustained in chasing people.”Jolts from Tasers have at least twice prevented people from killing themselves, Horvath said.Though Tasers have been used by South Bend’s SWAT team for raids several times, it’s more commonly used by patrol officers for more mundane episodes including family fights, Horvath said.Doubts lingerThe Rev. Michael Latham, president of the local NAACP chapter, said Tasers are not something that Fort Wayne police urgently need.“I think they are experts in what they do and I don’t think they need any more weapons to do what they do,” he said. “I think they have enough things in place to protect themselves.”In South Bend, police have seen citizens be more cooperative with officers, which, Horvath said, is another advantage of using Tasers.To Latham, however, Taser use can lead to an abuse of police power.Despite limits placed on Taser use, Latham worries that use will increase after the pilot program is evaluated.“I think once you get them in, it’ll easily get to another phase,” he said.York said he has not set a specific period for the pilot program but it could last for years.Regaining groundsTom Smith, president of Arizona-based Taser International, said the Fort Wayne Police Department is among many other departments that chose to purchase the weapon after a storm of controversy concerning its safety hit the company in 2004 and 2005.Smith welcomes the national guidelines that police departments can use as a model. The company hopes the guidelines and other safety studies will improve sales that have stagnated since 1984, Smith said.Amnesty International issued a report that year indicating Tasers might be responsible for more than 70 deaths in the United States and Canada since 2001. The company denied the allegations. Seven wrongful death suits and five personal injury suits against the company have been dismissed, according to the company.Questions on the weapon’s safety coupled with an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission on the company’s disclosures concerning medical safety and accounting issues pushed down the stock price to $5.37 in October 2005 – a drop of more than 80 percent since January that year. It has since recovered, closing Friday at $9.81.The SEC notified the company in December that the investigation had been completed and the agency decided to bring no action against the company.York said the company contacted him numerous times. Smith traveled to York’s office on the fifth floor of police headquarters on Creighton Avenue shortly after York announced he had canceled an order for 83 Tasers, encouraging him to reconsider.The company has sold 184,000 units to 8,750 law enforcement and U.S. military agencies, as well as law enforcement agencies in 45 countries overseas. Another 115,000 units designed for civilian use have also been shipped, Smith said.“I honestly believe Chief York is going to realize very quickly the benefits of the Taser program,” Smith said, “which ultimately leads to further expansion of the program.”No perfect weaponNational Taser use guidelines are what many police departments have been longing for, said Joshua Ederheimer, director of the Center for Force and Accountability, a branch of the Police Executive Research Forum.A number of departments have adopted all or a part of the guidelines, he said.Ederheimer, who said Taser policies have varied drastically among departments, said he will lead another study in which the successful use of Tasers will be examined.“If you have two choices – either use them or not – if you don’t use them, then your alternative is deadly force,” he said. “So, it does not make a whole lot of sense not to have a less-lethal weapon available if they exist. The challenge is to have proper information so you can set a policy on how they are used.”Tasers’ high capability to incapacitate a person and the weapon’s portability – a feature that beanbag rounds or rubber projectiles don’t have – make them attractive to police interested in having less-lethal weapons, said Neil Moore, director of the Center for Criminal Science at Indiana Institute of Technology and a former Fort Wayne police chief.“The use of Tasers is one more tool that fits into that intermediate range before an officer moves up to a potential deadly force encounter. From that perspective, I think most citizens should welcome that the police department is trying to look for another tool to use that diminishes the need or chance they have to use deadly force,” he said.There is no non-lethal weapon, Moore said.“There is no weapon system that can guarantee, with 100 percent certainty, that the deployment of that system may not result in serious bodily injury or loss of a human life,” he said. “Citizens have to have a realistic expectation.”Fort Wayne Tasers to be under tight reins City Tasers to be under tight reinsUse limited to SWAT team, but critics still fearing abuse

15. Southfield Police Dept MI Source: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090205/NEWS20/902050543 TASERs become a staple for local police By Pat Murphy • ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER • February 5, 2009 It was a tense moment for Mark Wood and two other Southfield police officers responding to a domestic violence call last year. They intended to arrest the man of the house, who responded, "I'm not going." "He was a big man," said Wood, a 20-year veteran of the force, "and we were ready to call for backup." The man's attitude changed drastically, however, when he saw the yellow, pistol-like device one of the officers was holding. It was a TASER, a weapon that can disable combative suspects with a 50,000-volt shock that disrupts the muscular system. "I've seen those on TV," said the suspect, meekly extending his arms for the handcuffs, "forget it." The incident - or something like it - was repeated more than 100 times in 2008, the first full year in which the weapons were standard equipment for Southfield officers. On 74 occasions, officers deployed (or discharged) the weapon. But at other times the sight of the shocking device was enough to prompt compliance, according to police records. As far as I'm concerned," said Wood, "it's the best weapons ever developed for police work." Chief Joseph Thomas Jr. concurs. "In some of those cases officers might have been required to subdue the suspect," he said, and somebody - the suspect or the officers - might have been injured. Injuries to officers dropped from 12 in 2006, to two in 2008, Thomas reported, "That's a significant reduction." There was also a significant drop in injuries to suspects, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department that issued the weapons department wide in 2003. "We had a man threatening suicide while holding a shotgun to his head," recalled Undersheriff Michael McCabe. A deputy shocked and disabled him from behind, the undersheriff said, and instead of killing himself the man dropped to the ground without discharging the shotgun. "He later thanked the deputy for saving his life," McCabe said. Southfield purchased 75 TASERs in July 2006, on a trial basis. The city council approved 90 more for 2008. They're much like any other weapon, said Thomas. "Officers are required to undergo training," he said, " and they must qualify (or demonstrate proficiency) every year." Reports are also required each time an officer deploys (or uses) any weapon. Southfield officers can expect to use the weapons less frequently in the future - assuming, that is, the department's experience is similar to that of the sheriff's department. Incidents of deputies actually shocking suspects into submission dropped by more than 50 percent over three years, according to department records. Current state law says only law enforcement officials can carry TASERs. Last year, however, one Michigan legislator proposed legalizing the weapons for all citizens, much as they are in other states. The legislation died in committee, but at some point is expected to be reintroduced. Officer Woods from Southfield said he has probably benefited from the deterrent affect of the weapon. In the 19 years he worked without a TASER, the officer said he was injured several times trying to subdue suspects. Since he and fellow officers carry TASERs, "things have changed drastically. "When people see them, they become compliant," he said. "If we use them, the suspect usually drops in his tacks."Source: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090205/NEWS20/902050543 TASERs become a staple for local police By Pat Murphy • ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER • February 5, 2009 It was a tense moment for Mark Wood and two other Southfield police officers responding to a domestic violence call last year. They intended to arrest the man of the house, who responded, "I'm not going." "He was a big man," said Wood, a 20-year veteran of the force, "and we were ready to call for backup." The man's attitude changed drastically, however, when he saw the yellow, pistol-like device one of the officers was holding. It was a TASER, a weapon that can disable combative suspects with a 50,000-volt shock that disrupts the muscular system. "I've seen those on TV," said the suspect, meekly extending his arms for the handcuffs, "forget it." The incident - or something like it - was repeated more than 100 times in 2008, the first full year in which the weapons were standard equipment for Southfield officers. On 74 occasions, officers deployed (or discharged) the weapon. But at other times the sight of the shocking device was enough to prompt compliance, according to police records. As far as I'm concerned," said Wood, "it's the best weapons ever developed for police work." Chief Joseph Thomas Jr. concurs. "In some of those cases officers might have been required to subdue the suspect," he said, and somebody - the suspect or the officers - might have been injured. Injuries to officers dropped from 12 in 2006, to two in 2008, Thomas reported, "That's a significant reduction." There was also a significant drop in injuries to suspects, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department that issued the weapons department wide in 2003. "We had a man threatening suicide while holding a shotgun to his head," recalled Undersheriff Michael McCabe. A deputy shocked and disabled him from behind, the undersheriff said, and instead of killing himself the man dropped to the ground without discharging the shotgun. "He later thanked the deputy for saving his life," McCabe said. Southfield purchased 75 TASERs in July 2006, on a trial basis. The city council approved 90 more for 2008. They're much like any other weapon, said Thomas. "Officers are required to undergo training," he said, " and they must qualify (or demonstrate proficiency) every year." Reports are also required each time an officer deploys (or uses) any weapon. Southfield officers can expect to use the weapons less frequently in the future - assuming, that is, the department's experience is similar to that of the sheriff's department. Incidents of deputies actually shocking suspects into submission dropped by more than 50 percent over three years, according to department records. Current state law says only law enforcement officials can carry TASERs. Last year, however, one Michigan legislator proposed legalizing the weapons for all citizens, much as they are in other states. The legislation died in committee, but at some point is expected to be reintroduced. Officer Woods from Southfield said he has probably benefited from the deterrent affect of the weapon. In the 19 years he worked without a TASER, the officer said he was injured several times trying to subdue suspects. Since he and fellow officers carry TASERs, "things have changed drastically. "When people see them, they become compliant," he said. "If we use them, the suspect usually drops in his tacks."

16. Orlando Police Dept FL Source: Per Less-Lethal Weapon Deployment, Policy and Training: Results from a National Survey PowerPoint presented at the Institute for Law Enforcement Admin at the Center for American & International Law in Plano, TX on October 30, 2008 by Lorie A. Fridell, Ph.D., University of South Florida. Purpose of these analyses was to determine whether the introduction of the CED into an agency affected injury outcomes to officers or subjects More empirical assessment of what we have learned anecdotally from agencies We obtained use of force data from two agencies that were of sufficient duration to model officer and suspect injuries pre-post CED Austin, TX Orlando, FL The introduction of CEDs into Austin and Orlando reduced injuries compared to pre-CED injury levels (officers and subjects). Most dramatic in Orlando: Monthly rate of subject injuries (per force incident) was reduced by > 50% after CED introduction Officer injuries reduced by > 60%.Source: Per Less-Lethal Weapon Deployment, Policy and Training: Results from a National Survey PowerPoint presented at the Institute for Law Enforcement Admin at the Center for American & International Law in Plano, TX on October 30, 2008 by Lorie A. Fridell, Ph.D., University of South Florida. Purpose of these analyses was to determine whether the introduction of the CED into an agency affected injury outcomes to officers or subjects More empirical assessment of what we have learned anecdotally from agencies We obtained use of force data from two agencies that were of sufficient duration to model officer and suspect injuries pre-post CED Austin, TX Orlando, FL The introduction of CEDs into Austin and Orlando reduced injuries compared to pre-CED injury levels (officers and subjects). Most dramatic in Orlando: Monthly rate of subject injuries (per force incident) was reduced by > 50% after CED introduction Officer injuries reduced by > 60%.

17. Austin Police Dept TX Source: Austin Chronicle HOME: JULY 29, 2005: News: Tasers Helped Reduce Use Of Force, APD Report Says Tasers Helped Reduce Use of Force, APD Report Says BY JORDAN SMITH Austin NAACP head Nelson Linder still has concerns that blacks are disproportionately targeted by Taser use. photo by John Anderson Incidents of police use of force declined in 2004 along with the number of serious injuries to both officers and suspects, a fact the Austin Police Department attributes in large part to the increased availability of Taser-brand electro-shock weapons, according to a new report from the APD. Still, critics say the department has not done enough to reduce the rate of force used against minorities and are still questioning whether Tasers are a less-than-lethal alternative to deadly force. According to the department's analysis, only 2.5% of all arrests in 2004 resulted in the filing of a use-of-force report – that is, out of just over 48,000 arrests, there was a total of 974 force reports filed by police. Police are required to file a UoF report any time they take "any physical action that causes apparent injury, or causes a person to complain of pain or injury." That decrease was coupled with a reduction in reports of serious injury to both officers and suspects, the department says. The APD reports that serious injury to suspects – that is, injuries that require "hospitalization or intensive medical treatment" – declined 82.4% last year, with just three cases of serious injury vs. 17 in 2003, while serious injuries to officers decreased by 50%. "[M]uch of this reduction [in injuries] can be attributed to the availability of Tasers," reads the report. In 2003, the department had 160 Tasers, which were used 66 times and accounted for just 5.7% of force reports filed that year. In contrast, in 2004, the department had nearly 1,000 Tasers, which were used 334 times and accounted for 33.4% of all force reports. The increase in Taser use also accounts for the decrease in other types of force – specifically, to the decline in "soft hand control" and "hard hand control," including hand strikes, leg strikes, and neck restraints, which "have a high probability of injury," according to the report. Use of Tasers has led to a decrease in "physical contact between officers and subjects" and "seems to have contributed to fewer injuries overall for officers and fewer serious injuries for the subjects.“  …. Story continues Source: Austin Chronicle HOME: JULY 29, 2005: News: Tasers Helped Reduce Use Of Force, APD Report Says Tasers Helped Reduce Use of Force, APD Report Says BY JORDAN SMITH Austin NAACP head Nelson Linder still has concerns that blacks are disproportionately targeted by Taser use. photo by John Anderson Incidents of police use of force declined in 2004 along with the number of serious injuries to both officers and suspects, a fact the Austin Police Department attributes in large part to the increased availability of Taser-brand electro-shock weapons, according to a new report from the APD. Still, critics say the department has not done enough to reduce the rate of force used against minorities and are still questioning whether Tasers are a less-than-lethal alternative to deadly force. According to the department's analysis, only 2.5% of all arrests in 2004 resulted in the filing of a use-of-force report – that is, out of just over 48,000 arrests, there was a total of 974 force reports filed by police. Police are required to file a UoF report any time they take "any physical action that causes apparent injury, or causes a person to complain of pain or injury." That decrease was coupled with a reduction in reports of serious injury to both officers and suspects, the department says. The APD reports that serious injury to suspects – that is, injuries that require "hospitalization or intensive medical treatment" – declined 82.4% last year, with just three cases of serious injury vs. 17 in 2003, while serious injuries to officers decreased by 50%. "[M]uch of this reduction [in injuries] can be attributed to the availability of Tasers," reads the report. In 2003, the department had 160 Tasers, which were used 66 times and accounted for just 5.7% of force reports filed that year. In contrast, in 2004, the department had nearly 1,000 Tasers, which were used 334 times and accounted for 33.4% of all force reports. The increase in Taser use also accounts for the decrease in other types of force – specifically, to the decline in "soft hand control" and "hard hand control," including hand strikes, leg strikes, and neck restraints, which "have a high probability of injury," according to the report. Use of Tasers has led to a decrease in "physical contact between officers and subjects" and "seems to have contributed to fewer injuries overall for officers and fewer serious injuries for the subjects.“  …. Story continues

18. Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD NC Officer Injuries 2004 Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, TASER Project First Year – Full Deployment Study Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, TASER Project First Year – Full Deployment Study

19. Cape Coral Police Dept FL Officer Injuries 2002-2004 Source: Cape Coral memo, September 22, 2004, TO: Dan Alexander, Chief of Police FROM: Captain Bart Connelly, Professional Standards Bureau SUBJECT: M-26 AIR-TASER PROGRAM EVALUATION The Cape Coral Police Department began issuing M-26 Air-Tasers in 2000. The primary reason for the acquisition of Air-Tasers at that time was to provide better protection for officers and citizens. In the year 2000, eleven (11) units were purchased and issued to patrol supervisors. Two (2) additional M-26 Air-Tasers were purchased in both 2001 and 2002 and also issued to supervisors. In 2003, one-hundred (100) more M-26s were purchased and for the first time, issued to patrol officers. This year, twenty-seven (27) X-26 Air-Tasers, (a smaller more advanced version of the Air-Taser), have been purchased and are being issued for a total Air-Taser deployment of 142 units. Due to the limited number of units in the field in 2000-2002, there is insufficient data to measure Air-Taser performance and provide an analysis of the program’s impact. Therefore, data used for the purpose of this report was taken from 2003-2004, when Air-Tasers were first utilized in the field by officers. (Comparison data was also collected for the year of 2002, the most recent year that Air-Tasers were not used by patrol officers.) Overall, the program has been a success and has actually exceeded our initial expectations. From a safety standpoint, the Air-Taser program has proven its value to the department. The number of force related officer and citizen injuries have been reduced (Appendix A), a number of deadly force encounters have been avoided (Appendix B), and suspect compliance has increased at the mere presence of an Air-Taser on the scene. For a complete view of force used, see Appendix C. From a cost-benefit standpoint, the Air-Taser program has proven its value to the city and taxpayers. Ancillary benefits of the program are, reduced worker’s compensation costs due to the decreased number of officers injured in force related incidents (Appendix D), and liability savings from the avoidance of deadly force encounters (Appendix E.) Air-Taser Program Evaluation Chief Alexander 09/15/04 As in any new program or new piece of equipment, the Cape Coral Police Air-Taser program has not been without problems or concerns. However these problems do not outweigh the overall success of the program or the ability of the Air-Taser to perform as designed. Problems associated with use of the Air-Taser include improper operation by the user and unit malfunction. The malfunction occurrence rate of the Air-Taser is low and is usually associated with a defective cartridge or manufacturing defect of the Air-Taser itself. Most manufacturing defects have been identified and corrected in newer models of the Air-Taser. Our older models experiencing problems were covered under warranty and replaced with new units. The large majority of problems associated with the Air-Taser are from improper operation by the user, such as failure to charge the battery, applying the Air-Taser too quickly in the encounter in lieu of other control options, and improper application of the unit as a touch stun device or “stun gun.” In response to these problems, training has been enhanced and officer accountability increased. Additionally, the newer X-26 Air-Taser does not require the user to charge the battery. A self contained battery pack lasts for a pre-determined number of uses and is simply replaced. Internationally, the Taser program has had controversy. Taser critics question the safety of the weapon with concerns arising from supposed deaths attributed its use. Since 1999 approximately 50 suspects who have been exposed to the effects of the Air-Taser have subsequently died. However, reports indicate that in each case, independent medical examiners have determined the cause of death to be a variety of factors, usually heart disease, chronic toxic drug use, or protracted over-exertion during a struggle with law enforcement officers. At this time, there is no direct evidence to show a causal relationship between the use of the Air-Taser and suspect fatalities. Medical reviews of the Air-Taser are available upon request. There have been numerous field studies completed on the use of the Air- Taser. A Phoenix Police Department study found that the Air-Taser reduced fatal police shootings by 50%. A Denver Police Department study found the Air-Taser reduced injuries to suspects by over 85%. An Orange County Florida Sheriffs Office study found the Air-Taser reduced the use of lethal force by approximately 80% and dropped injuries to deputies by 80%. Injuries to South Bend Indiana officers dropped by 66% and in Miami, in 2003, there were no police shootings for the first time in 14 years. This study indicates that the Air-Taser Program in the Cape Coral Police Department has reduced injuries to officers by 93%, and to suspects by 68%.* * Indicates reduction from 2002 (before use by officers), to 2004 (after use by officers) Air-Taser Program Evaluation Chief Alexander 09/15/04 In conclusion, the rational for the Air-Taser program is clear. Officer and suspect injuries have been reduced, deadly force encounters avoided, and liability to the city reduced. It is recommended the department continue with the Air-Taser program as designed and continue efforts for full deployment as soon as practical.Source: Cape Coral memo, September 22, 2004, TO: Dan Alexander, Chief of Police FROM: Captain Bart Connelly, Professional Standards Bureau SUBJECT: M-26 AIR-TASER PROGRAM EVALUATION The Cape Coral Police Department began issuing M-26 Air-Tasers in 2000. The primary reason for the acquisition of Air-Tasers at that time was to provide better protection for officers and citizens. In the year 2000, eleven (11) units were purchased and issued to patrol supervisors. Two (2) additional M-26 Air-Tasers were purchased in both 2001 and 2002 and also issued to supervisors. In 2003, one-hundred (100) more M-26s were purchased and for the first time, issued to patrol officers. This year, twenty-seven (27) X-26 Air-Tasers, (a smaller more advanced version of the Air-Taser), have been purchased and are being issued for a total Air-Taser deployment of 142 units. Due to the limited number of units in the field in 2000-2002, there is insufficient data to measure Air-Taser performance and provide an analysis of the program’s impact. Therefore, data used for the purpose of this report was taken from 2003-2004, when Air-Tasers were first utilized in the field by officers. (Comparison data was also collected for the year of 2002, the most recent year that Air-Tasers were not used by patrol officers.) Overall, the program has been a success and has actually exceeded our initial expectations. From a safety standpoint, the Air-Taser program has proven its value to the department. The number of force related officer and citizen injuries have been reduced (Appendix A), a number of deadly force encounters have been avoided (Appendix B), and suspect compliance has increased at the mere presence of an Air-Taser on the scene. For a complete view of force used, see Appendix C. From a cost-benefit standpoint, the Air-Taser program has proven its value to the city and taxpayers. Ancillary benefits of the program are, reduced worker’s compensation costs due to the decreased number of officers injured in force related incidents (Appendix D), and liability savings from the avoidance of deadly force encounters (Appendix E.) Air-Taser Program Evaluation Chief Alexander 09/15/04 As in any new program or new piece of equipment, the Cape Coral Police Air-Taser program has not been without problems or concerns. However these problems do not outweigh the overall success of the program or the ability of the Air-Taser to perform as designed. Problems associated with use of the Air-Taser include improper operation by the user and unit malfunction. The malfunction occurrence rate of the Air-Taser is low and is usually associated with a defective cartridge or manufacturing defect of the Air-Taser itself. Most manufacturing defects have been identified and corrected in newer models of the Air-Taser. Our older models experiencing problems were covered under warranty and replaced with new units. The large majority of problems associated with the Air-Taser are from improper operation by the user, such as failure to charge the battery, applying the Air-Taser too quickly in the encounter in lieu of other control options, and improper application of the unit as a touch stun device or “stun gun.” In response to these problems, training has been enhanced and officer accountability increased. Additionally, the newer X-26 Air-Taser does not require the user to charge the battery. A self contained battery pack lasts for a pre-determined number of uses and is simply replaced. Internationally, the Taser program has had controversy. Taser critics question the safety of the weapon with concerns arising from supposed deaths attributed its use. Since 1999 approximately 50 suspects who have been exposed to the effects of the Air-Taser have subsequently died. However, reports indicate that in each case, independent medical examiners have determined the cause of death to be a variety of factors, usually heart disease, chronic toxic drug use, or protracted over-exertion during a struggle with law enforcement officers. At this time, there is no direct evidence to show a causal relationship between the use of the Air-Taser and suspect fatalities. Medical reviews of the Air-Taser are available upon request. There have been numerous field studies completed on the use of the Air- Taser. A Phoenix Police Department study found that the Air-Taser reduced fatal police shootings by 50%. A Denver Police Department study found the Air-Taser reduced injuries to suspects by over 85%. An Orange County Florida Sheriffs Office study found the Air-Taser reduced the use of lethal force by approximately 80% and dropped injuries to deputies by 80%. Injuries to South Bend Indiana officers dropped by 66% and in Miami, in 2003, there were no police shootings for the first time in 14 years. This study indicates that the Air-Taser Program in the Cape Coral Police Department has reduced injuries to officers by 93%, and to suspects by 68%.* * Indicates reduction from 2002 (before use by officers), to 2004 (after use by officers) Air-Taser Program Evaluation Chief Alexander 09/15/04 In conclusion, the rational for the Air-Taser program is clear. Officer and suspect injuries have been reduced, deadly force encounters avoided, and liability to the city reduced. It is recommended the department continue with the Air-Taser program as designed and continue efforts for full deployment as soon as practical.

20. Topeka Police Dept KS Officer Injuries 2003 Source:   Police say Taser use reduces officer, civilian injuries By Tim Hrenchir The Capital-Journal 01/21/04 The number of Topeka police officers carrying Tasers increased last year to 27 from 10. At the same time, police saw 20 percent fewer physical confrontations, with decreases of more than 40 percent in injuries to both officers and the people with whom they dealt. Sgt. Dave Thomas credits the Tasers. "When an officer pulls the Taser out, people give up," said Thomas, who trains officers to use the devices. "That happens a lot." Thomas points to Topeka police records showing that in 2002, officers used force in 237 incidents. Last year, that total fell to 190, a decrease of 20 percent. In 2002, 26 officers and 59 civilians were hurt during incidents in which police used physical force. Last year, there were 14 injuries to officers and 35 to civilians, decreases of 46 percent and 41 percent. "That's significant," Thomas said. He noted that the decrease in injuries came after police acquired 10 Tasers in August 2002, then got 17 more last May. The department plans to buy another 16 this year. Thomas said more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide use Tasers, which have been around since the 1970s but became significantly more popular in recent years as technology has improved.  Thad Allton/The Capital-Journal - Topeka officers activated TASER ECDs nine times in 2002 and 56 times in 2003, according to Thomas. Source:   Police say Taser use reduces officer, civilian injuries By Tim Hrenchir The Capital-Journal 01/21/04

21. Sarasota Police Dept FL THE HERALD TRIBUNE – FLORIDA North Port police seek grant for more TASERs Chief would like every officer to carry a stun gun. December 16. 2006 5:13AM, By GINNY LAROE - ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com NORTH PORT -- Faced with an increasing call load and a rising crime rate, police officials are moving forward in trying to equip their officers with TASERs. If North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis has his way, every officer in this growing city will eventually carry a Taser, which police say is an effective tool for reducing officer injuries. "The need to use weapons is increasing as calls for service is increasing, and we want (officers) to have every tool in the toolbox to respond," Lewis said. Crime in North Port rose 11.3 percent in the first half of this year compared with last year, according to state records, and police are responding to a record number of calls for assistance. Lewis expects to secure an $8,374 Department of Justice block grant to add 10 more TASERs to the department's arsenal. And the 2006-07 budget calls for five of the devices. All told, about a quarter of the department will soon be outfitted with the "less lethal" weapons. The department will join many of the area's larger law enforcement agencies in Manatee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties in using the devices. However, the Venice Police Department has no plans to issue TASERs to its officers, saying the cost is prohibitive considering other priorities in the department. TASERs release prongs that send 50,000 volts of electricity into a human body, causing muscles to temporarily lock up. They can be used from a longer range than batons and pepper spray, and the manufacturer says they are about 94 percent effective at restraining uncooperative suspects. But TASERs have also been linked to 150 deaths nationwide, according to Amnesty International, which has called for a halt to their use until more medical research is done. TASER International, an Arizona-based company that has supplied 84,000 of the devices to law enforcement agencies since 1998, says TASERs alone did not kill any of those people. "I know it's been controversial," Lewis said. "As it's going through its natural progression into becoming a standard police tool, it all comes down to training." North Port officers undergo eight hours of training, including having a Taser used on them, before they can use the Taser. Officers must also be recertified each year. This year, a new law took effect in Florida outlining training and usage standards. Officers can only use the Taser when making an arrest and when a person engages in physical resistance. But the legislation leaves a lot up to the discretion of individual agencies and officers. The department's operating procedures says "consideration" should be given before using a Taser on the elderly, pregnant women, young children, or frail or handicapped individuals. But it ultimately leaves it up to officers to determine if circumstances call for use on those individuals. Officers here have not encountered those sticky situations yet. They have only discharged their TASERs twice since the first 11 went out on the road with officers last month, and in both instances the suspects were able to ward off the shocks. While it is too early to tell if TASERs are having any impact on officer safety in North Port, other agencies saw immediate results. In the first six months after the Sarasota Police Department began using TASERs, the department saw a 65 percent drop in officer injuries, said Jay Frank, a spokesman for the department. And this year, officers have been using them less, Frank says, because the threat alone of being shocked is often enough to force a resisting suspect into compliance. "People don't want to be tased," Frank said. "When we yell 'Taser,' they stop," he said. THE HERALD TRIBUNE – FLORIDA North Port police seek grant for more TASERs Chief would like every officer to carry a stun gun. December 16. 2006 5:13AM, By GINNY LAROE - ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com NORTH PORT -- Faced with an increasing call load and a rising crime rate, police officials are moving forward in trying to equip their officers with TASERs. If North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis has his way, every officer in this growing city will eventually carry a Taser, which police say is an effective tool for reducing officer injuries. "The need to use weapons is increasing as calls for service is increasing, and we want (officers) to have every tool in the toolbox to respond," Lewis said. Crime in North Port rose 11.3 percent in the first half of this year compared with last year, according to state records, and police are responding to a record number of calls for assistance. Lewis expects to secure an $8,374 Department of Justice block grant to add 10 more TASERs to the department's arsenal. And the 2006-07 budget calls for five of the devices. All told, about a quarter of the department will soon be outfitted with the "less lethal" weapons. The department will join many of the area's larger law enforcement agencies in Manatee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties in using the devices. However, the Venice Police Department has no plans to issue TASERs to its officers, saying the cost is prohibitive considering other priorities in the department. TASERs release prongs that send 50,000 volts of electricity into a human body, causing muscles to temporarily lock up. They can be used from a longer range than batons and pepper spray, and the manufacturer says they are about 94 percent effective at restraining uncooperative suspects. But TASERs have also been linked to 150 deaths nationwide, according to Amnesty International, which has called for a halt to their use until more medical research is done. TASER International, an Arizona-based company that has supplied 84,000 of the devices to law enforcement agencies since 1998, says TASERs alone did not kill any of those people. "I know it's been controversial," Lewis said. "As it's going through its natural progression into becoming a standard police tool, it all comes down to training." North Port officers undergo eight hours of training, including having a Taser used on them, before they can use the Taser. Officers must also be recertified each year. This year, a new law took effect in Florida outlining training and usage standards. Officers can only use the Taser when making an arrest and when a person engages in physical resistance. But the legislation leaves a lot up to the discretion of individual agencies and officers. The department's operating procedures says "consideration" should be given before using a Taser on the elderly, pregnant women, young children, or frail or handicapped individuals. But it ultimately leaves it up to officers to determine if circumstances call for use on those individuals. Officers here have not encountered those sticky situations yet. They have only discharged their TASERs twice since the first 11 went out on the road with officers last month, and in both instances the suspects were able to ward off the shocks. While it is too early to tell if TASERs are having any impact on officer safety in North Port, other agencies saw immediate results. In the first six months after the Sarasota Police Department began using TASERs, the department saw a 65 percent drop in officer injuries, said Jay Frank, a spokesman for the department. And this year, officers have been using them less, Frank says, because the threat alone of being shocked is often enough to force a resisting suspect into compliance. "People don't want to be tased," Frank said. "When we yell 'Taser,' they stop," he said.

22. Leon County Sheriff's Office FL http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/NEWS01/708110324/1010/NEWS01 Tasers help officers make arrests without suffering injuries By Nic Corbett - DEMOCRAT STAF WRITER Originally published August 11, 2007  Deputies say that since they began using Tasers three years ago, they've seen a drop in having to use other kinds of force to make arrests. They also say they've seen fewer injuries to themselves. The Leon County Sheriff's Office trained new hires last week in how to use the 50,000-volt stun gun. All deputies who carry one have been voluntarily stunned by a Taser so that they know what it feels like and understand how it works, said Chris Chase, LCSO spokesman. There has been just one exception - an older deputy with a heart condition who is now retired. “It's a very intense pain that you will never forget,” Chase said. But not everyone agrees that Tasers are safe. Dalia Hashad, director of the U.S.A. program for Amnesty International, said Tasers have been linked to 250 deaths over six years. She thinks more independent studies need to be done on the effects of being hit by a Taser. "It's not OK to continue to play the guessing game while people are suffering after being shot by a Taser," she said. Deputies say Tasers allow them to avoid using force because the simple act of displaying one can frighten suspects into being cooperative. “Pretty much everybody knows about Tasers now,” said Deputy Lee Shoemaker, a new hire. “That kind of reputation is very effective. Sometimes, we don't even have to use it.” Taser usage by deputies has, in fact, gone down, from 87 times in 2004 to 63 times last year, said Sgt. Rob Reisinger, who is in charge of training. The number of injuries to deputies decreased about 65 percent after the first year they were used. Deputies say Tasers are better than other weapons, such as guns or pepper spray, which can inflict lasting damage. The Sheriff's Office has 260 Tasers. “Once it's done, it's done. The pain goes away,” Shoemaker said. “That's a main advantage to the Taser.” Law-enforcement officials say there has not been a death blamed on a Taser in Leon County. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the mentally ill are most at risk of being Tased because they can lack the ability to reason. After a 5-year pilot program, the Tallahassee Police Department now has 335 Tasers. TPD began training sessions twice a week about a month and a half ago, said Sgt. Steve Outlaw. During the pilot program, the department had 60 Tasers, said Officer Clay Fallis, defensive tactics coordinator. Police used those Tasers 203 times during a three-year period. Fallis also said having the Taser has led to a decrease in injuries to both officers and suspects.  http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/NEWS01/708110324/1010/NEWS01 Tasers help officers make arrests without suffering injuries By Nic Corbett - DEMOCRAT STAF WRITER Originally published August 11, 2007  Deputies say that since they began using Tasers three years ago, they've seen a drop in having to use other kinds of force to make arrests. They also say they've seen fewer injuries to themselves. The Leon County Sheriff's Office trained new hires last week in how to use the 50,000-volt stun gun. All deputies who carry one have been voluntarily stunned by a Taser so that they know what it feels like and understand how it works, said Chris Chase, LCSO spokesman. There has been just one exception - an older deputy with a heart condition who is now retired. “It's a very intense pain that you will never forget,” Chase said. But not everyone agrees that Tasers are safe. Dalia Hashad, director of the U.S.A. program for Amnesty International, said Tasers have been linked to 250 deaths over six years. She thinks more independent studies need to be done on the effects of being hit by a Taser. "It's not OK to continue to play the guessing game while people are suffering after being shot by a Taser," she said. Deputies say Tasers allow them to avoid using force because the simple act of displaying one can frighten suspects into being cooperative. “Pretty much everybody knows about Tasers now,” said Deputy Lee Shoemaker, a new hire. “That kind of reputation is very effective. Sometimes, we don't even have to use it.” Taser usage by deputies has, in fact, gone down, from 87 times in 2004 to 63 times last year, said Sgt. Rob Reisinger, who is in charge of training. The number of injuries to deputies decreased about 65 percent after the first year they were used. Deputies say Tasers are better than other weapons, such as guns or pepper spray, which can inflict lasting damage. The Sheriff's Office has 260 Tasers. “Once it's done, it's done. The pain goes away,” Shoemaker said. “That's a main advantage to the Taser.” Law-enforcement officials say there has not been a death blamed on a Taser in Leon County. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the mentally ill are most at risk of being Tased because they can lack the ability to reason. After a 5-year pilot program, the Tallahassee Police Department now has 335 Tasers. TPD began training sessions twice a week about a month and a half ago, said Sgt. Steve Outlaw. During the pilot program, the department had 60 Tasers, said Officer Clay Fallis, defensive tactics coordinator. Police used those Tasers 203 times during a three-year period. Fallis also said having the Taser has led to a decrease in injuries to both officers and suspects.  

23. Hialeah Police Dept FL Source: HIALEAH POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVANCED TASER M26 TWO YEAR FIELD USE REPORT   Prepared by Detective Joe Caragol   This report summarizes the experience of the Hialeah Police Department ADVANCED TASER® M26 field use deployment for the past two years. This report is compiled from the Response to Resistance data received for the period of October 20, 2003 (start date of the ADVANCED TASER M26 program), through November 30, 2005. The ADVANCED TASER M26 is one of the Hialeah Police Department’s less lethal options, designed to provide alternatives to the use of lethal force in appropriate situations.   The ADVANCED TASER M26 program continues to show a steady increase of growing acceptance and confidence by our Hialeah Police Department Personnel during the past two years. In fact, since the program has commenced, there have been more request for the ADVANCED TASER M26s than our current inventory allows for distribution. The field use report will show how officers by using this device can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury to themselves, the public, and suspects. Furthermore, during the past two years, the TASER program proved to be a valuable less lethal option for Hialeah Police Officers. This is supported as the Hialeah Police Officers made several arrests of violent, combative, hostile, and armed suspects, without needing to resort to the use of a firearm, expandable impact baton, pepper spray, or other alternative means. Thus, while the TASER is effective, it cannot prevent all situations that can lead up to an officer involved shooting, nor will the TASER always perform effectively in all TASER deployments due to its technical and/or operational limitations. However, the results of this usage report, clearly shows the TASER deployment to have a success rate of approximately 95% when a Hialeah Police Officer deploys their ADVANCED TASER M26 on a suspect… CONCLUSION   The continued data received regarding the ADVANCED TASER M26 usage by the Hialeah Police Department indicates TASER M26s are a valuable less lethal option for our officers. Several cases are cited whereby the TASER M26 usage in our department saved lives and reduced injuries to both suspects and officers. The Hialeah Police will continue to monitor the usage of the TASER M26s for the purpose of updating its ongoing training, administrative orders, and operational decision process. Source: HIALEAH POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVANCED TASER M26 TWO YEAR FIELD USE REPORT   Prepared by Detective Joe Caragol   This report summarizes the experience of the Hialeah Police Department ADVANCED TASER® M26 field use deployment for the past two years. This report is compiled from the Response to Resistance data received for the period of October 20, 2003 (start date of the ADVANCED TASER M26 program), through November 30, 2005. The ADVANCED TASER M26 is one of the Hialeah Police Department’s less lethal options, designed to provide alternatives to the use of lethal force in appropriate situations.   The ADVANCED TASER M26 program continues to show a steady increase of growing acceptance and confidence by our Hialeah Police Department Personnel during the past two years. In fact, since the program has commenced, there have been more request for the ADVANCED TASER M26s than our current inventory allows for distribution. The field use report will show how officers by using this device can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury to themselves, the public, and suspects. Furthermore, during the past two years, the TASER program proved to be a valuable less lethal option for Hialeah Police Officers. This is supported as the Hialeah Police Officers made several arrests of violent, combative, hostile, and armed suspects, without needing to resort to the use of a firearm, expandable impact baton, pepper spray, or other alternative means. Thus, while the TASER is effective, it cannot prevent all situations that can lead up to an officer involved shooting, nor will the TASER always perform effectively in all TASER deployments due to its technical and/or operational limitations. However, the results of this usage report, clearly shows the TASER deployment to have a success rate of approximately 95% when a Hialeah Police Officer deploys their ADVANCED TASER M26 on a suspect… CONCLUSION   The continued data received regarding the ADVANCED TASER M26 usage by the Hialeah Police Department indicates TASER M26s are a valuable less lethal option for our officers. Several cases are cited whereby the TASER M26 usage in our department saved lives and reduced injuries to both suspects and officers. The Hialeah Police will continue to monitor the usage of the TASER M26s for the purpose of updating its ongoing training, administrative orders, and operational decision process.

24. Rapid City PD SD RAPID CITY JOURNAL – SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City police take aim with TASERs By Katie Brown, Journal Staff Writer RAPID CITY , SD -- Rapid City Police officer Don Hedrick thrashed around and yelled Wednesday afternoon in a training room in the police department basement. One of his fellow officers activated a TASER gun, and the prongs stuck into Hedrick’s body. Luckily for Hedrick, the scenario was part of training, and the TASER -- with shorter, less painful prongs used for training -- did not shock him. Rapid City Police began training this week to use the TASERs to subdue suspects in the field. Training will conclude Dec. 18, at which point almost all Rapid City Police officers will carry TASERs while on patrol. The TASER is a pistol-like device capable of subduing suspects with a few seconds of a high-voltage, low-amp surge. Taser training is led by Hedrick and officer Duane Baker, who attended training in November in St. Paul put on by Taser International, the company that manufactures the TASERs. “The purpose of this training is to create a scenario with actual applications so officers can decide when to use the TASERs so officers or suspects don’t get hurt,” Hedrick said. He said that although the TASER inflicts extreme pain on the suspect for a few seconds, it does not injure the suspect. Hedrick said situations in which TASER will be used include when a suspect becomes aggressive or if the suspect could be a danger to him or herself or anyone else. The TASER, which almost resembles a plastic toy gun, shoots two sharp prongs attached to a cord at the suspect. Then, 50,000 volts of electricity surge between the prongs for about five seconds. Baker said one prong shoots straight ahead and the other drops to achieve a distance between the two prongs. Officers are taught to avoid the head, face and neck. Some brave officers volunteered to experience the shock for training purposes. “It was the most intense pain I’ve ever felt,” said officer Craig Cassen. “My muscles stiffened up, and I couldn’t even move.” Cassen said the pain did not last long. Not long after he was shot with the TASER gun, he had only two small marks from where the prongs entered his back. Cassen said he volunteered to see what the TASER felt like. “If I ever have to shoot someone with it, I think it’s good to know what it’s like,” he said. “I’ve never do it again, though.” Sgt. John Olson said he experienced some muscle fatigue from the TASER and his skin felt like he had a carpet burn, but it didn’t afflict any serious pain. Olson said that in addition to helping his colleagues train, he wanted to experience being shot with a TASER for when he must testify in court. “If I have to testify in court, I can say with experience that I know what it’s like to be tased,” he said. Capt. Steve Allender of the police department said that TASERs are being brought into use in hopes of lowering the numbers of officers injured while arresting violent or resistive suspects. As of Dec. 11, Rapid City police officers have reported 63 on-duty injuries, 36 of which were related to arresting violent suspects. There have been 191 reports of suspects obstructing or resisting arrest. Each TASER cost $800, and each new cartridge costs $25. Hedrick said he believes that it will be worth the cost because injuries cost money, not only for medical care but to cover shifts for officers who must be off-duty while recovering.RAPID CITY JOURNAL – SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City police take aim with TASERs By Katie Brown, Journal Staff Writer RAPID CITY , SD -- Rapid City Police officer Don Hedrick thrashed around and yelled Wednesday afternoon in a training room in the police department basement. One of his fellow officers activated a TASER gun, and the prongs stuck into Hedrick’s body. Luckily for Hedrick, the scenario was part of training, and the TASER -- with shorter, less painful prongs used for training -- did not shock him. Rapid City Police began training this week to use the TASERs to subdue suspects in the field. Training will conclude Dec. 18, at which point almost all Rapid City Police officers will carry TASERs while on patrol. The TASER is a pistol-like device capable of subduing suspects with a few seconds of a high-voltage, low-amp surge. Taser training is led by Hedrick and officer Duane Baker, who attended training in November in St. Paul put on by Taser International, the company that manufactures the TASERs. “The purpose of this training is to create a scenario with actual applications so officers can decide when to use the TASERs so officers or suspects don’t get hurt,” Hedrick said. He said that although the TASER inflicts extreme pain on the suspect for a few seconds, it does not injure the suspect. Hedrick said situations in which TASER will be used include when a suspect becomes aggressive or if the suspect could be a danger to him or herself or anyone else. The TASER, which almost resembles a plastic toy gun, shoots two sharp prongs attached to a cord at the suspect. Then, 50,000 volts of electricity surge between the prongs for about five seconds. Baker said one prong shoots straight ahead and the other drops to achieve a distance between the two prongs. Officers are taught to avoid the head, face and neck. Some brave officers volunteered to experience the shock for training purposes. “It was the most intense pain I’ve ever felt,” said officer Craig Cassen. “My muscles stiffened up, and I couldn’t even move.” Cassen said the pain did not last long. Not long after he was shot with the TASER gun, he had only two small marks from where the prongs entered his back. Cassen said he volunteered to see what the TASER felt like. “If I ever have to shoot someone with it, I think it’s good to know what it’s like,” he said. “I’ve never do it again, though.” Sgt. John Olson said he experienced some muscle fatigue from the TASER and his skin felt like he had a carpet burn, but it didn’t afflict any serious pain. Olson said that in addition to helping his colleagues train, he wanted to experience being shot with a TASER for when he must testify in court. “If I have to testify in court, I can say with experience that I know what it’s like to be tased,” he said. Capt. Steve Allender of the police department said that TASERs are being brought into use in hopes of lowering the numbers of officers injured while arresting violent or resistive suspects. As of Dec. 11, Rapid City police officers have reported 63 on-duty injuries, 36 of which were related to arresting violent suspects. There have been 191 reports of suspects obstructing or resisting arrest. Each TASER cost $800, and each new cartridge costs $25. Hedrick said he believes that it will be worth the cost because injuries cost money, not only for medical care but to cover shifts for officers who must be off-duty while recovering.

25. Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.

26. Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.

27. Source: Sgt. Joe Binns: * When we went to full deployment of the Taser in 2004, we saw officer injuries drop by 20%. Suspect injuries went down 6% (we consider the Taser by itself to cause minor injury). Regarding other statistics, in 2004 we displayed the Taser a total of 29 times - deploying the probes in eleven of those cases. It's nice to be able to tell the media that we only deployed the Taser 38% of the time we pulled it out. I do not have a PP file but will do one and send it to you. Source: Sgt. Joe Binns: * When we went to full deployment of the Taser in 2004, we saw officer injuries drop by 20%. Suspect injuries went down 6% (we consider the Taser by itself to cause minor injury). Regarding other statistics, in 2004 we displayed the Taser a total of 29 times - deploying the probes in eleven of those cases. It's nice to be able to tell the media that we only deployed the Taser 38% of the time we pulled it out. I do not have a PP file but will do one and send it to you.

28. Australia “They're a safe and effective means of restraint. Western Australia recently had them available for all first response police and there's been a 40% reduction in assaults on police in that state. That's what we need to see here,” said the Queensland Police Union. Source: Police Union calls on Govt to supply tasers Posted Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:24pm AEDT Updated Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:23pm AEDT Australia – The Queensland Police Union is calling on the State Government to make taser guns available to Queensland police so officers can protect themselves. The Union's acting president Dennis Fitzpatrick says they are holding an emergency meeting with Police Minister Judy Spence tomorrow, to demand an expansion of the trial taser program underway in the south-east. Mr Fitzpatrick says tasers provide protection for officers who are being bitten, spat on and punched in the line of duty. "They're a safe and effective means of restraint," he said. "Western Australia recently had them available for all first response police and there's been a 40 per cent reduction in assaults on police in that state. "That's what we need to see here." Source: Police Union calls on Govt to supply tasers Posted Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:24pm AEDT Updated Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:23pm AEDT Australia – The Queensland Police Union is calling on the State Government to make taser guns available to Queensland police so officers can protect themselves. The Union's acting president Dennis Fitzpatrick says they are holding an emergency meeting with Police Minister Judy Spence tomorrow, to demand an expansion of the trial taser program underway in the south-east. Mr Fitzpatrick says tasers provide protection for officers who are being bitten, spat on and punched in the line of duty. "They're a safe and effective means of restraint," he said. "Western Australia recently had them available for all first response police and there's been a 40 per cent reduction in assaults on police in that state. "That's what we need to see here."

29. Queensland Australia “The purpose of this trial is to ascertain whether TASERs can be used as an effective tool to reduce the number of assaults on police and protect the public from dangerous or violent offenders, while also reducing the chance of harm to offenders themselves,” said Police Minister Judy Spence “In every incident so far, the use of a TASER has resolved a potentially dangerous situation, without injury to police, the public or the offender, and without the need for medical treatment for the person detained by police” Source: Minister for Police and Corrective ServicesThe Honourable Judy Spence Wednesday, August 08, 2007 TASERS PREVENT INJURY DURING FIRST MONTH OF TRIAL: SPENCE Tasers are being used by Queensland police to resolve dangerous situations without injury, Police Minister Judy Spence said today. Ms Spence said the first month of a 12 month trial of the electro muscular disruption devices, among District Duty Officers and Regional Duty Officers in the Metropolitan North, Metropolitan South and South Eastern police regions, has proved a great success.“Tasers have been discharged during 11 incidents since the trial began on July 1 – each time resolving the issue at hand and resulting in the person of interest becoming compliant for further police action,” Ms Spence said. “Police have also issued warnings a Taser was about to be deployed on 19 occasions. Each time the person surrendered to officers without the device being discharged. “The use of a Taser in each of these cases has prevented injury to the offender, arresting officers or other members of the public.” Ms Spence said in one case police deployed a Taser on a man who allegedly attacked a female Constable and tried to grab her gun belt at Nobby’s Beach on the Gold Coast. “Police had approached the man, amid concerns he had attempted to abduct a child on the beach,” Ms Spence said. “The man was not injured as a result of the Taser being discharged and was detained by police. “In another incident, police used a Taser on a woman who was allegedly strangling a heavily pregnant woman at Alexandra Hills in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. “The woman was immediately subdued and there was no injury to police, the pregnant woman or her alleged attacker.” A Taser was also used to subdue a suspect who allegedly attempted to attack police at Lutwyche. “Officers first used capsicum spray in an attempt to calm the man, but he allegedly continued to fight and attack, so police discharged the Taser and the man was detained without further incident,” Ms Spence said. “The purpose of this trial is to ascertain whether Tasers can be used as an effective tool to reduce the number of assaults on police and protect the public from dangerous or violent offenders, while also reducing the chance of harm to offenders themselves. “In every incident so far, the use of a Taser has resolved a potentially dangerous situation, without injury to police, the public or the offender, and without the need for medical treatment for the person detained by police.” Source: Minister for Police and Corrective ServicesThe Honourable Judy Spence Wednesday, August 08, 2007 TASERS PREVENT INJURY DURING FIRST MONTH OF TRIAL: SPENCE Tasers are being used by Queensland police to resolve dangerous situations without injury, Police Minister Judy Spence said today. Ms Spence said the first month of a 12 month trial of the electro muscular disruption devices, among District Duty Officers and Regional Duty Officers in the Metropolitan North, Metropolitan South and South Eastern police regions, has proved a great success.“Tasers have been discharged during 11 incidents since the trial began on July 1 – each time resolving the issue at hand and resulting in the person of interest becoming compliant for further police action,” Ms Spence said. “Police have also issued warnings a Taser was about to be deployed on 19 occasions. Each time the person surrendered to officers without the device being discharged. “The use of a Taser in each of these cases has prevented injury to the offender, arresting officers or other members of the public.” Ms Spence said in one case police deployed a Taser on a man who allegedly attacked a female Constable and tried to grab her gun belt at Nobby’s Beach on the Gold Coast. “Police had approached the man, amid concerns he had attempted to abduct a child on the beach,” Ms Spence said. “The man was not injured as a result of the Taser being discharged and was detained by police. “In another incident, police used a Taser on a woman who was allegedly strangling a heavily pregnant woman at Alexandra Hills in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. “The woman was immediately subdued and there was no injury to police, the pregnant woman or her alleged attacker.” A Taser was also used to subdue a suspect who allegedly attempted to attack police at Lutwyche. “Officers first used capsicum spray in an attempt to calm the man, but he allegedly continued to fight and attack, so police discharged the Taser and the man was detained without further incident,” Ms Spence said. “The purpose of this trial is to ascertain whether Tasers can be used as an effective tool to reduce the number of assaults on police and protect the public from dangerous or violent offenders, while also reducing the chance of harm to offenders themselves. “In every incident so far, the use of a Taser has resolved a potentially dangerous situation, without injury to police, the public or the offender, and without the need for medical treatment for the person detained by police.”

30. Australia “Assaults on police have decreased by 50 per cent, and that's huge,” said Riverina union representative Mick Connor “That means that police aren't being assaulted, they're not being injured and you're not losing time off work because of that. That means police are more productive, we're out on the street and we're confident in our ability to handle each situation.” Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/20/2249935.htm?site=riverina   Police union urges more Riverina Tasers  May 21, 2008  A Riverina police union delegate says Taser stun guns should be available for use by all officers, not just supervisors. The police force has announced it plans the rollout of 200 more Tasers and says 2,000 supervisors will be trained in their use. But the police association's Mick Connor says that is inadequate. He says they should be in every patrol car, as occurs in Western Australia where Tasers have had a big impact. "Assaults on police have decreased by 50 per cent, and that's huge," he said. "That means that police aren't being assaulted, they're not being injured and you're not losing time off work because of that. "That means police are more productive, we're out on the street and we're confident in our ability to handle each situation."Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/20/2249935.htm?site=riverina   Police union urges more Riverina Tasers  May 21, 2008  A Riverina police union delegate says Taser stun guns should be available for use by all officers, not just supervisors. The police force has announced it plans the rollout of 200 more Tasers and says 2,000 supervisors will be trained in their use. But the police association's Mick Connor says that is inadequate. He says they should be in every patrol car, as occurs in Western Australia where Tasers have had a big impact. "Assaults on police have decreased by 50 per cent, and that's huge," he said. "That means that police aren't being assaulted, they're not being injured and you're not losing time off work because of that. "That means police are more productive, we're out on the street and we're confident in our ability to handle each situation."

31. El Paso Police Dept TX Chief Richard Wiles said the decrease in assaults is beneficial to the department and to taxpayers because it reduces workers compensation claims filed by officers Source 1: El Paso Times: Assaults on police officers decrease, Tasers are credited for drop By Tammy Fonce-Olivas, El Paso Times, Monday, February 20, 2006 Source 2: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD. Assaults on El Paso officers have fallen dramatically during the past few years, and police largely attribute the decrease to yellow stun guns that can jolt an aggressor with 50,000 volts of electricity. Police Chief Richard Wiles said the stun guns, known as Tasers, were distributed department wide in 2003. These weapons -- usually carried on the opposite side of the handgun holsters -- combined with better protective equipment and training are behind the reduction in assaults on officers. "In El Paso especially, the Taser has done a tremendous job of reducing the physical contact between officers and subjects," Wiles said.  Officers make about 29,000 arrests each year. Most of the arrests are carried out without problems, but dozens involve people acting aggressively toward officers. "When you consider the number of people our officers come into contact with each year, I think that it (assaults on officers) is a very small fraction. ... Most citizens would not even consider assaulting a police officer," Wiles said. In 2002, when most officers did not carry Tasers, the department reported 506 assaults on police officers, according to police records. In 2003, when just about every officer carried a Taser, assaults on officers dropped to 378. By 2004, the department was reporting just fewer than 300 assaults on officers. The number of assaults for 2005 was not available, but police officials said they should be about equal to or fewer than the 298 assaults reported in 2004. (TASER INT’L NOTE: THIS IS A 59% DROP IN OFFICER ASSAULTS.) Wiles said the decrease in assaults is beneficial to the department and to taxpayers because it reduces workers compensation claims filed by officers. Police records indicate that in the majority of cases reported since 2002, people used their hands, fists or feet to assault officers. A few dozen incidents involved officers being attacked with knives or other sharp objects and even fewer involved firearms. Police records also show that since 2002, only one officer has died as a result of an assault. Officer Angel Andrew Barcena was shot and killed Sept. 24, 2004 while responding to a call about a family fight at a West El Paso home. An internal police investigation revealed Barcena drew his Taser shortly after he and his field training officer arrived at the home. The officers went into the home's garage where they encountered a man carrying a handgun. According to the police investigation, the man allegedly pulled the trigger of his revolver, but it didn't fire because there was no round in the chamber. Barcena then fired his Taser but missed. The two officers then sought cover. As they were seeking cover, Barcena was shot in the lower back. He died shortly after being wounded. Police arrested Theodore Michael Berry, 43, and charged him with capital murder in connection with Barcena's death. Jury selection for Berry's trial starts Tuesday. Gary Weiser, Berry's lawyer, said the jury is expected to be selected from a pool of 300 potential jurors. Picking a jury will likely take about two months because each juror will be questioned individually. Wiles said that although officers are equipped with stun guns, they are not discouraged from using deadly force, such as firing their handguns, if the situation warrants it. The police internal investigation revealed that Barcena allegedly drew his Taser instead of his firearm when he responded to the domestic disturbance because he was initially unaware that the man at the home had a revolver. Sgt. Jaime Medina with the West Side Regional Command Center said he has spent his nearly 17 years with the department patrolling El Paso streets. His experience has taught him that most assaults on police officers do not result in life-threatening injuries. Medina said he has been assaulted about three times throughout his career. None of the assaults sent him to the hospital. But one of the assaults nearly brought him to his knees in pain. He said the assault took place while he was responding to a domestic disturbance at a house near El Paso High School several years ago. Medina said he and another officer were trying to handcuff a man, who was resisting arrest, when a female approached them. The female was very aggressive and tried to interfere with the arrest, so he grabbed her by the arm, he said. "It was then that this young lady, she was thin, about 5-foot-1, she turned around and she kicked me right in the groin, and she connected," Medina said. "I had such a hard time trying to hold on to her after that." Medina said he thinks most assaults on officers happen in the evening and they are usually linked to disturbance calls, such as domestic violence. The use of alcohol and drugs also contributes to assaults on officers, he said. "We have a good city. I would say at least 90 percent of our citizens are law abiding citizens and the other 10 percent will do anything they can, and that includes breaking the law," he said. Medina said he's noticed that assaults on officers have gone down in recent years. He, too, attributes the decrease largely to the department's use of stun guns. "It has really reduced assaults on officers," he said.   Officer Jerry Paris issued a citation to a motorist Saturday at a checkpoint along Delta Street.   Tammy Fonce-Olivas may be reached at tfonce@elpasotimes.com; 546-6362. Source 1: El Paso Times: Assaults on police officers decrease, Tasers are credited for drop By Tammy Fonce-Olivas, El Paso Times, Monday, February 20, 2006 Source 2: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD.

32. El Paso Police Dept TX Source: El Paso Times: Assaults on police officers decrease, Tasers are credited for drop By Tammy Fonce-Olivas, El Paso Times, Monday, February 20, 2006 Assaults on El Paso officers have fallen dramatically during the past few years, and police largely attribute the decrease to yellow stun guns that can jolt an aggressor with 50,000 volts of electricity. Police Chief Richard Wiles said the stun guns, known as Tasers, were distributed department wide in 2003. These weapons -- usually carried on the opposite side of the handgun holsters -- combined with better protective equipment and training are behind the reduction in assaults on officers. "In El Paso especially, the Taser has done a tremendous job of reducing the physical contact between officers and subjects," Wiles said.  Officers make about 29,000 arrests each year. Most of the arrests are carried out without problems, but dozens involve people acting aggressively toward officers. "When you consider the number of people our officers come into contact with each year, I think that it (assaults on officers) is a very small fraction. ... Most citizens would not even consider assaulting a police officer," Wiles said. In 2002, when most officers did not carry Tasers, the department reported 506 assaults on police officers, according to police records. In 2003, when just about every officer carried a Taser, assaults on officers dropped to 378. By 2004, the department was reporting just fewer than 300 assaults on officers. The number of assaults for 2005 was not available, but police officials said they should be about equal to or fewer than the 298 assaults reported in 2004. (TASER INT’L NOTE: THIS IS A 59% DROP IN OFFICER ASSAULTS.) Wiles said the decrease in assaults is beneficial to the department and to taxpayers because it reduces workers compensation claims filed by officers. Police records indicate that in the majority of cases reported since 2002, people used their hands, fists or feet to assault officers. A few dozen incidents involved officers being attacked with knives or other sharp objects and even fewer involved firearms. Police records also show that since 2002, only one officer has died as a result of an assault. Officer Angel Andrew Barcena was shot and killed Sept. 24, 2004 while responding to a call about a family fight at a West El Paso home. An internal police investigation revealed Barcena drew his Taser shortly after he and his field training officer arrived at the home. The officers went into the home's garage where they encountered a man carrying a handgun. According to the police investigation, the man allegedly pulled the trigger of his revolver, but it didn't fire because there was no round in the chamber. Barcena then fired his Taser but missed. The two officers then sought cover. As they were seeking cover, Barcena was shot in the lower back. He died shortly after being wounded. Police arrested Theodore Michael Berry, 43, and charged him with capital murder in connection with Barcena's death. Jury selection for Berry's trial starts Tuesday. Gary Weiser, Berry's lawyer, said the jury is expected to be selected from a pool of 300 potential jurors. Picking a jury will likely take about two months because each juror will be questioned individually. Wiles said that although officers are equipped with stun guns, they are not discouraged from using deadly force, such as firing their handguns, if the situation warrants it. The police internal investigation revealed that Barcena allegedly drew his Taser instead of his firearm when he responded to the domestic disturbance because he was initially unaware that the man at the home had a revolver. Sgt. Jaime Medina with the West Side Regional Command Center said he has spent his nearly 17 years with the department patrolling El Paso streets. His experience has taught him that most assaults on police officers do not result in life-threatening injuries. Medina said he has been assaulted about three times throughout his career. None of the assaults sent him to the hospital. But one of the assaults nearly brought him to his knees in pain. He said the assault took place while he was responding to a domestic disturbance at a house near El Paso High School several years ago. Medina said he and another officer were trying to handcuff a man, who was resisting arrest, when a female approached them. The female was very aggressive and tried to interfere with the arrest, so he grabbed her by the arm, he said. "It was then that this young lady, she was thin, about 5-foot-1, she turned around and she kicked me right in the groin, and she connected," Medina said. "I had such a hard time trying to hold on to her after that." Medina said he thinks most assaults on officers happen in the evening and they are usually linked to disturbance calls, such as domestic violence. The use of alcohol and drugs also contributes to assaults on officers, he said. "We have a good city. I would say at least 90 percent of our citizens are law abiding citizens and the other 10 percent will do anything they can, and that includes breaking the law," he said. Medina said he's noticed that assaults on officers have gone down in recent years. He, too, attributes the decrease largely to the department's use of stun guns. "It has really reduced assaults on officers," he said.   Officer Jerry Paris issued a citation to a motorist Saturday at a checkpoint along Delta Street.   Tammy Fonce-Olivas may be reached at tfonce@elpasotimes.com; 546-6362. Source: El Paso Times: Assaults on police officers decrease, Tasers are credited for drop By Tammy Fonce-Olivas, El Paso Times, Monday, February 20, 2006 Assaults on El Paso officers have fallen dramatically during the past few years, and police largely attribute the decrease to yellow stun guns that can jolt an aggressor with 50,000 volts of electricity. Police Chief Richard Wiles said the stun guns, known as Tasers, were distributed department wide in 2003. These weapons -- usually carried on the opposite side of the handgun holsters -- combined with better protective equipment and training are behind the reduction in assaults on officers. "In El Paso especially, the Taser has done a tremendous job of reducing the physical contact between officers and subjects," Wiles said.  Officers make about 29,000 arrests each year. Most of the arrests are carried out without problems, but dozens involve people acting aggressively toward officers. "When you consider the number of people our officers come into contact with each year, I think that it (assaults on officers) is a very small fraction. ... Most citizens would not even consider assaulting a police officer," Wiles said. In 2002, when most officers did not carry Tasers, the department reported 506 assaults on police officers, according to police records. In 2003, when just about every officer carried a Taser, assaults on officers dropped to 378. By 2004, the department was reporting just fewer than 300 assaults on officers. The number of assaults for 2005 was not available, but police officials said they should be about equal to or fewer than the 298 assaults reported in 2004. (TASER INT’L NOTE: THIS IS A 59% DROP IN OFFICER ASSAULTS.) Wiles said the decrease in assaults is beneficial to the department and to taxpayers because it reduces workers compensation claims filed by officers. Police records indicate that in the majority of cases reported since 2002, people used their hands, fists or feet to assault officers. A few dozen incidents involved officers being attacked with knives or other sharp objects and even fewer involved firearms. Police records also show that since 2002, only one officer has died as a result of an assault. Officer Angel Andrew Barcena was shot and killed Sept. 24, 2004 while responding to a call about a family fight at a West El Paso home. An internal police investigation revealed Barcena drew his Taser shortly after he and his field training officer arrived at the home. The officers went into the home's garage where they encountered a man carrying a handgun. According to the police investigation, the man allegedly pulled the trigger of his revolver, but it didn't fire because there was no round in the chamber. Barcena then fired his Taser but missed. The two officers then sought cover. As they were seeking cover, Barcena was shot in the lower back. He died shortly after being wounded. Police arrested Theodore Michael Berry, 43, and charged him with capital murder in connection with Barcena's death. Jury selection for Berry's trial starts Tuesday. Gary Weiser, Berry's lawyer, said the jury is expected to be selected from a pool of 300 potential jurors. Picking a jury will likely take about two months because each juror will be questioned individually. Wiles said that although officers are equipped with stun guns, they are not discouraged from using deadly force, such as firing their handguns, if the situation warrants it. The police internal investigation revealed that Barcena allegedly drew his Taser instead of his firearm when he responded to the domestic disturbance because he was initially unaware that the man at the home had a revolver. Sgt. Jaime Medina with the West Side Regional Command Center said he has spent his nearly 17 years with the department patrolling El Paso streets. His experience has taught him that most assaults on police officers do not result in life-threatening injuries. Medina said he has been assaulted about three times throughout his career. None of the assaults sent him to the hospital. But one of the assaults nearly brought him to his knees in pain. He said the assault took place while he was responding to a domestic disturbance at a house near El Paso High School several years ago. Medina said he and another officer were trying to handcuff a man, who was resisting arrest, when a female approached them. The female was very aggressive and tried to interfere with the arrest, so he grabbed her by the arm, he said. "It was then that this young lady, she was thin, about 5-foot-1, she turned around and she kicked me right in the groin, and she connected," Medina said. "I had such a hard time trying to hold on to her after that." Medina said he thinks most assaults on officers happen in the evening and they are usually linked to disturbance calls, such as domestic violence. The use of alcohol and drugs also contributes to assaults on officers, he said. "We have a good city. I would say at least 90 percent of our citizens are law abiding citizens and the other 10 percent will do anything they can, and that includes breaking the law," he said. Medina said he's noticed that assaults on officers have gone down in recent years. He, too, attributes the decrease largely to the department's use of stun guns. "It has really reduced assaults on officers," he said.   Officer Jerry Paris issued a citation to a motorist Saturday at a checkpoint along Delta Street.   Tammy Fonce-Olivas may be reached at tfonce@elpasotimes.com; 546-6362.

33. Cincinnati Police Dept OH First 1,041 Field Results Statistical Source: Cincinnati Police Department Review to Community, Fall 2005 Exposure Source: John Rose, TASER Instructor for Cincinnati Police email to Training Department on March 25, 2007. We have about 975 officers who volunteered for the full 5-second hit.  I guess its about 90%. Once again, we do not require it, it is strictly voluntary.  However it is highly recommended. John Rose, Cincinnati PDStatistical Source: Cincinnati Police Department Review to Community, Fall 2005 Exposure Source: John Rose, TASER Instructor for Cincinnati Police email to Training Department on March 25, 2007. We have about 975 officers who volunteered for the full 5-second hit.  I guess its about 90%. Once again, we do not require it, it is strictly voluntary.  However it is highly recommended. John Rose, Cincinnati PD

34. Cincinnati Independent Monitor Final Report December 2008 Statistical Source: City of Cincinnati, Independent Monitor’s Final Report December 2008  Saul A. Green, Monitor Richard B. Jerome, Deputy Monitor www.cincinnatimonitor.orgStatistical Source: City of Cincinnati, Independent Monitor’s Final Report December 2008  Saul A. Green, Monitor Richard B. Jerome, Deputy Monitor www.cincinnatimonitor.org

35. Cincinnati Police Dept OH 2004 - 2008 From: Briede, Mark Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 10:45 AMTo: Streicher, ThomasCc: Carter, GlennaSubject: Updated Charts   Chief –   Attached are the updated charts regarding UOF, citizen complaints and injuries as requested for TASER.   Charts were updated to include 2008 totals.   Lieutenant Mark W. Briede Cincinnati Police Department Executive Officer/Public Information Office Commander 310 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati,Ohio 45214 513-352-3519 (office) 513-368-1202 (cell) mark.briede@cincinnati-oh.govFrom: Briede, Mark Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 10:45 AMTo: Streicher, ThomasCc: Carter, GlennaSubject: Updated Charts   Chief –   Attached are the updated charts regarding UOF, citizen complaints and injuries as requested for TASER.   Charts were updated to include 2008 totals.   Lieutenant Mark W. Briede Cincinnati Police Department Executive Officer/Public Information Office Commander 310 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati,Ohio 45214 513-352-3519 (office) 513-368-1202 (cell) mark.briede@cincinnati-oh.gov

36. Cincinnati Police Dept OH 2004 - 2008 From: Briede, Mark Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 10:45 AMTo: Streicher, ThomasCc: Carter, GlennaSubject: Updated Charts   Chief –   Attached are the updated charts regarding UOF, citizen complaints and injuries as requested for TASER.   Charts were updated to include 2008 totals.   Lieutenant Mark W. Briede Cincinnati Police Department Executive Officer/Public Information Office Commander 310 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 513-352-3519 (office) 513-368-1202 (cell) mark.briede@cincinnati-oh.govFrom: Briede, Mark Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 10:45 AMTo: Streicher, ThomasCc: Carter, GlennaSubject: Updated Charts   Chief –   Attached are the updated charts regarding UOF, citizen complaints and injuries as requested for TASER.   Charts were updated to include 2008 totals.   Lieutenant Mark W. Briede Cincinnati Police Department Executive Officer/Public Information Office Commander 310 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 513-352-3519 (office) 513-368-1202 (cell) mark.briede@cincinnati-oh.gov

37. Columbus Police Dept OH Six-Month Field 2005 Results Source: Columbus Division of Police, Intra-Divisional,  July 5, 2005 TO: James G. Jackson, Chief of Police FROM: Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303, Defensive Tactics Unit SUBJECT: Six Month Taser Study Executive Summary Sir: The following information is the executive summary of Taser use and related Taser statistics for the first six-month period of Taser deployment for the Division of Police. This information is a summary of Taser uses. Explanations of each statistic are explained in the attached Six Month Taser Report. There were 172 Action-Response Reports reported as Level 3, Use of Electrical Device. 140 Tasers deployed in the probe mode. 76.4% effective based upon deployment 120 incidents where the probes hit the subject 89.2% effective rate when the subject was struck with both probes 132 TASERs deployed in the Drive Stun Mode. 75.8% effective 55.6% of the Taser use was on subjects under the influence of drugs/alcohol or on subjects classified as being Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs). Citizen complaints declined 23.8%. Citizen complaints of excessive uses of force declined 25.3%. Injuries to officers from physical confrontations with aggressive/resistive subjects declined 23.4%. Injuries to prisoners declined 24.1%. Use of Level 2 Control (Use of Chemical Mace) declined 36.8%. Use of Level 4 Control (Strikes, Punches, Kicks) declined 32.2%. Use of Level 5 Control (Use of Impact Weapon) declined 20.7%. There were twelve documented incidents where subjects attempting suicide were stopped and taken into custody preventing the deaths. There were fourteen incidents officers responded to where deadly force was justified, but officers were able to use time, distance, and barriers to deploy the Taser as the response verse using deadly force to control the subjects. Respectfully Submitted, Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303Source: Columbus Division of Police, Intra-Divisional,  July 5, 2005 TO: James G. Jackson, Chief of Police FROM: Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303, Defensive Tactics Unit SUBJECT: Six Month Taser Study Executive Summary Sir: The following information is the executive summary of Taser use and related Taser statistics for the first six-month period of Taser deployment for the Division of Police. This information is a summary of Taser uses. Explanations of each statistic are explained in the attached Six Month Taser Report. There were 172 Action-Response Reports reported as Level 3, Use of Electrical Device. 140 Tasers deployed in the probe mode. 76.4% effective based upon deployment 120 incidents where the probes hit the subject 89.2% effective rate when the subject was struck with both probes 132 TASERs deployed in the Drive Stun Mode. 75.8% effective 55.6% of the Taser use was on subjects under the influence of drugs/alcohol or on subjects classified as being Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs). Citizen complaints declined 23.8%. Citizen complaints of excessive uses of force declined 25.3%. Injuries to officers from physical confrontations with aggressive/resistive subjects declined 23.4%. Injuries to prisoners declined 24.1%. Use of Level 2 Control (Use of Chemical Mace) declined 36.8%. Use of Level 4 Control (Strikes, Punches, Kicks) declined 32.2%. Use of Level 5 Control (Use of Impact Weapon) declined 20.7%. There were twelve documented incidents where subjects attempting suicide were stopped and taken into custody preventing the deaths. There were fourteen incidents officers responded to where deadly force was justified, but officers were able to use time, distance, and barriers to deploy the Taser as the response verse using deadly force to control the subjects. Respectfully Submitted, Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303

38. Columbus Police Dept OH2005 Six-Month Field Results Source: Columbus Division of Police, Intra-Divisional,  July 5, 2005  TO: James G. Jackson, Chief of Police  FROM: Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303, Defensive Tactics Unit SUBJECT: Six Month Taser Study Executive Summary Sir: The following information is the executive summary of Taser use and related Taser statistics for the first six-month period of Taser deployment for the Division of Police. This information is a summary of Taser uses. Explanations of each statistic are explained in the attached Six Month Taser Report.  There were 172 Action-Response Reports reported as Level 3, Use of Electrical Device. 140 Tasers deployed in the probe mode. 76.4% effective based upon deployment 120 incidents where the probes hit the subject 89.2% effective rate when the subject was struck with both probes 132 TASERs deployed in the Drive Stun Mode. 75.8% effective  55.6% of the Taser use was on subjects under the influence of drugs/alcohol or on subjects classified as being Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs).  Citizen complaints declined 23.8%. Citizen complaints of excessive uses of force declined 25.3%. Injuries to officers from physical confrontations with aggressive/resistive subjects declined 23.4%.  Injuries to prisoners declined 24.1%.  Use of Level 2 Control (Use of Chemical Mace) declined 36.8%.  Use of Level 4 Control (Strikes, Punches, Kicks) declined 32.2%.  Use of Level 5 Control (Use of Impact Weapon) declined 20.7%.  There were twelve documented incidents where subjects attempting suicide were stopped and taken into custody preventing the deaths.  There were fourteen incidents officers responded to where deadly force was justified, but officers were able to use time, distance, and barriers to deploy the Taser as the response verse using deadly force to control the subjects.  Respectfully Submitted, Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303 Source: Columbus Division of Police, Intra-Divisional,  July 5, 2005  TO: James G. Jackson, Chief of Police  FROM: Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303, Defensive Tactics Unit SUBJECT: Six Month Taser Study Executive Summary Sir: The following information is the executive summary of Taser use and related Taser statistics for the first six-month period of Taser deployment for the Division of Police. This information is a summary of Taser uses. Explanations of each statistic are explained in the attached Six Month Taser Report.  There were 172 Action-Response Reports reported as Level 3, Use of Electrical Device. 140 Tasers deployed in the probe mode. 76.4% effective based upon deployment 120 incidents where the probes hit the subject 89.2% effective rate when the subject was struck with both probes 132 TASERs deployed in the Drive Stun Mode. 75.8% effective  55.6% of the Taser use was on subjects under the influence of drugs/alcohol or on subjects classified as being Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs).  Citizen complaints declined 23.8%. Citizen complaints of excessive uses of force declined 25.3%. Injuries to officers from physical confrontations with aggressive/resistive subjects declined 23.4%.  Injuries to prisoners declined 24.1%.  Use of Level 2 Control (Use of Chemical Mace) declined 36.8%.  Use of Level 4 Control (Strikes, Punches, Kicks) declined 32.2%.  Use of Level 5 Control (Use of Impact Weapon) declined 20.7%.  There were twelve documented incidents where subjects attempting suicide were stopped and taken into custody preventing the deaths.  There were fourteen incidents officers responded to where deadly force was justified, but officers were able to use time, distance, and barriers to deploy the Taser as the response verse using deadly force to control the subjects.  Respectfully Submitted, Sergeant Brian A. Bruce #5303

39. Howard Co Police Dept MD Six-Month Field 2008 Results Source: Howard County Six Month Conductive Energy Device Pilot Program Report of Preliminary Findings March 28, 2008 (DRAFT 5.0) INTRODUCTION   Beginning in April 2006, the Howard County Department of Police (HCPD) initiated research into the potential use of conductive energy devices (CEDs). Major Merritt Bender (then a Captain) was charged with assembling a research team consisting of HCPD members, representatives of key components of County Government, and a representative of the Howard County General Hospital. Comprehensive research was conducted into the potential benefits of adding CEDs as a less lethal alternative for the HCPD. The CED appeared worthy of consideration as an option that could reduce significant injuries to both citizens and officers, in addition to reducing the need for the utilization of deadly force. Research revealed that most of the surrounding law enforcement jurisdictions were testing or utilizing CEDs. Research included a review of policies from local and national law enforcement agencies. Members of the Taser Research Committee also did extensive research in Taser related deaths, particularly relating to a condition known as excited delirium. In conducting this research, the group reached out to the Department of Fire and Rescue Services Medical Advisor, Doctor Kevin Seaman, and Howard County General Hospital’s Administrative Director for Emergency Services, Debbie Fleischmann. The committee recommended a pilot program be implemented utilizing the Taser X26, based upon it’s track record, extensive training program, legal support staff, medical research, and use by local agencies. This initiative required the adoption of legislation to amend the Howard County Code, which previously prohibited the possession of CEDs, even by law enforcement. Enabling legislation was passed and became effective on May 8, 2007. Extensive community outreach was also initiated to solicit input and feedback. Presentations and interactive discussions included the Citizens Advisory Council and the local chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Detailed written directives were developed to govern the use of the selected CED and a comprehensive training program was implemented. Police Unions, County Risk Management, and the Office of Law all participated in the review process for applicable written directives and lesson plans. Twenty-six (26) officers were trained and the HCPD initiated a six (6) month Pilot Program on July 16, 2007. PROGRAM GOALS The pilot program was initiated with hopes of achieving the following goals: Provide officers with an additional option that would reduce injuries to both citizens and officers. Reduce the need for the utilization of deadly force. Reduce the number of times “hands on” contact was needed with a non-cooperative suspect, which frequently leads to injuries. Program implementation in a manner to engender public awareness and confidence in the new, less lethal technology.   During the six month pilot program, mechanisms were implemented to:   Monitor impact on overall incidents of use of force Monitor impact on occasions of officer injury Monitor impact on occasions of suspect injury Monitor any effect on overall use of force complaints from citizens Monitor any unanticipated consequences of implementing this program    PRELIMINARY FINDINGS   Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, a comprehensive review and analysis was conducted. During the Pilot Program, every Use of Force Report involving the Taser was reviewed by Internal Affairs, the Education and Training Division, and up through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Police.   The HCPD realized that the duration of a six month Pilot Program only provided preliminary data based upon a limited period of time. During the six month Pilot Program, only twenty-two (22) CED deployments occurred. The HCPD also realized that this is a minimal number of deployments to extract any type of comprehensive findings. Additional study and monitoring are warranted.   During the Pilot Program, the CED was deployed and discharged on seven (7) occasions. On an additional fifteen (15) occasions, the CED was displayed but not discharged. Officer accounts revealed a pattern of frequently achieving suspect compliance upon the display of the CED, without requiring discharge.   On each of the seven (7) occasions that the CED was discharged, the incapacitation of the uncooperative /combative subject was achieved through either probe deployment or drive stun mode.   Drive Stun discharge was required in five (5) deployments due to clothing barriers; loss of probe continuity; or the dynamics of the encounter. When Drive Stun mode was necessitated, repeat Drive Stun deployments were required to establish full compliance from the resisting suspect.   CED display alone (without discharge) resulted in suspect compliance on fifteen (15) occasions.   No CED deployments resulted in any type of Internal Affairs complaint nor investigation.   There was an overall decrease in incidents requiring Use of Force Reports by HCPD officers. (121 Use of Force reports occurred during the same time period for 2005/06; 128 Use of Force Reports for 2006/07; and 116 Use of Force reports during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08)   There was an overall decrease in Use of Force complaints from citizens lodged against HCPD officers. (8 Use of Force Complaints filed during the same time period for 2005/06; 8 Use of Force Complaints for 2006/07; and 5 Use of Force complaints during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08)   There was a reduction in the amount of Worker’s Compensation claims made by officers. (61 claims filed during the same time period for 2005/06; 57 claims for 2006/07; and 49 claims during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08. Costs were reported as $167,619, $51,094, and $39,248 respectively.)   There was a decrease in Use of Force liability claims filed by citizens. (4 claims filed during FY05, 4 claims filed during FY06, 2 claims filed in FY07, and 0 claims filed to date in FY08.)   100% of the pilot program officers and supervisors, who responded to the post pilot survey, rated the selected CED as a desirable, permanent addition to the Use of Force options.   Howard County General Hospital reported “no ill effects specific to Taser deployment” during the CED pilot program. (Details in Appendix I)   Specific policy, training, and performance issues were identified that will be addressed to enhance any continued use of CEDs within Howard County.Source: Howard County Six Month Conductive Energy Device Pilot Program Report of Preliminary Findings March 28, 2008 (DRAFT 5.0) INTRODUCTION   Beginning in April 2006, the Howard County Department of Police (HCPD) initiated research into the potential use of conductive energy devices (CEDs). Major Merritt Bender (then a Captain) was charged with assembling a research team consisting of HCPD members, representatives of key components of County Government, and a representative of the Howard County General Hospital. Comprehensive research was conducted into the potential benefits of adding CEDs as a less lethal alternative for the HCPD. The CED appeared worthy of consideration as an option that could reduce significant injuries to both citizens and officers, in addition to reducing the need for the utilization of deadly force. Research revealed that most of the surrounding law enforcement jurisdictions were testing or utilizing CEDs. Research included a review of policies from local and national law enforcement agencies. Members of the Taser Research Committee also did extensive research in Taser related deaths, particularly relating to a condition known as excited delirium. In conducting this research, the group reached out to the Department of Fire and Rescue Services Medical Advisor, Doctor Kevin Seaman, and Howard County General Hospital’s Administrative Director for Emergency Services, Debbie Fleischmann. The committee recommended a pilot program be implemented utilizing the Taser X26, based upon it’s track record, extensive training program, legal support staff, medical research, and use by local agencies. This initiative required the adoption of legislation to amend the Howard County Code, which previously prohibited the possession of CEDs, even by law enforcement. Enabling legislation was passed and became effective on May 8, 2007. Extensive community outreach was also initiated to solicit input and feedback. Presentations and interactive discussions included the Citizens Advisory Council and the local chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Detailed written directives were developed to govern the use of the selected CED and a comprehensive training program was implemented. Police Unions, County Risk Management, and the Office of Law all participated in the review process for applicable written directives and lesson plans. Twenty-six (26) officers were trained and the HCPD initiated a six (6) month Pilot Program on July 16, 2007. PROGRAM GOALS The pilot program was initiated with hopes of achieving the following goals: Provide officers with an additional option that would reduce injuries to both citizens and officers. Reduce the need for the utilization of deadly force. Reduce the number of times “hands on” contact was needed with a non-cooperative suspect, which frequently leads to injuries. Program implementation in a manner to engender public awareness and confidence in the new, less lethal technology.   During the six month pilot program, mechanisms were implemented to:   Monitor impact on overall incidents of use of force Monitor impact on occasions of officer injury Monitor impact on occasions of suspect injury Monitor any effect on overall use of force complaints from citizens Monitor any unanticipated consequences of implementing this program    PRELIMINARY FINDINGS   Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, a comprehensive review and analysis was conducted. During the Pilot Program, every Use of Force Report involving the Taser was reviewed by Internal Affairs, the Education and Training Division, and up through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Police.   The HCPD realized that the duration of a six month Pilot Program only provided preliminary data based upon a limited period of time. During the six month Pilot Program, only twenty-two (22) CED deployments occurred. The HCPD also realized that this is a minimal number of deployments to extract any type of comprehensive findings. Additional study and monitoring are warranted.   During the Pilot Program, the CED was deployed and discharged on seven (7) occasions. On an additional fifteen (15) occasions, the CED was displayed but not discharged. Officer accounts revealed a pattern of frequently achieving suspect compliance upon the display of the CED, without requiring discharge.   On each of the seven (7) occasions that the CED was discharged, the incapacitation of the uncooperative /combative subject was achieved through either probe deployment or drive stun mode.   Drive Stun discharge was required in five (5) deployments due to clothing barriers; loss of probe continuity; or the dynamics of the encounter. When Drive Stun mode was necessitated, repeat Drive Stun deployments were required to establish full compliance from the resisting suspect.   CED display alone (without discharge) resulted in suspect compliance on fifteen (15) occasions.   No CED deployments resulted in any type of Internal Affairs complaint nor investigation.   There was an overall decrease in incidents requiring Use of Force Reports by HCPD officers. (121 Use of Force reports occurred during the same time period for 2005/06; 128 Use of Force Reports for 2006/07; and 116 Use of Force reports during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08)   There was an overall decrease in Use of Force complaints from citizens lodged against HCPD officers. (8 Use of Force Complaints filed during the same time period for 2005/06; 8 Use of Force Complaints for 2006/07; and 5 Use of Force complaints during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08)   There was a reduction in the amount of Worker’s Compensation claims made by officers. (61 claims filed during the same time period for 2005/06; 57 claims for 2006/07; and 49 claims during the pilot period of 7/16/07 – 1/16/08. Costs were reported as $167,619, $51,094, and $39,248 respectively.)   There was a decrease in Use of Force liability claims filed by citizens. (4 claims filed during FY05, 4 claims filed during FY06, 2 claims filed in FY07, and 0 claims filed to date in FY08.)   100% of the pilot program officers and supervisors, who responded to the post pilot survey, rated the selected CED as a desirable, permanent addition to the Use of Force options.   Howard County General Hospital reported “no ill effects specific to Taser deployment” during the CED pilot program. (Details in Appendix I)   Specific policy, training, and performance issues were identified that will be addressed to enhance any continued use of CEDs within Howard County.

40. PA State Troopers Field Results Source: Col. Miller Says Tasers Protect Public, Officers Results Show Devices Reduce Need for Use of Deadly Force by Troopers HARRISBURG, PA (July 16, 2008) – The recent deployment of Tasers to State Police troopers for use in confrontational situations is helping to ensure the safety of the public and officers themselves, Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said today.   “Tasers already have proven to be highly effective, non-lethal weapons for subduing individuals threatening harm to themselves or others,” Miller said during a news conference at the State Police Academy in Hershey. “They have been used with great success to control people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; suffering from mental health issues; or who simply are intent on harming themselves, our officers or others.   “In some of these cases, there is no doubt our troopers would have been required to grapple with the individuals, strike them with their batons, or fire their service weapons to protect themselves or others. The Taser provides an excellent option to the use of deadly force.”   Miller said Tasers have been used in a wide variety of circumstances, including the following situations:   Two troopers in Clearfield County responded to a report of an intoxicated man arguing with his elderly parents. The troopers found the subject armed with a rifle, which he pointed at them. One of the troopers fired his Taser and the man was taken into custody. Troopers in Cumberland County encountered a man armed with a knife who was threatening suicide. When the man refused commands to drop the knife, a trooper fired his Taser and the officers were able to disarm the subject. Adult probation officers in Franklin County called State Police seeking assistance with a suspect who had wrestled with them and fled on foot. A trooper found the man, who was carrying a glass bottle. When the man ignored the trooper’s commands and tried to run away, the trooper used his Taser and took the suspect into custody.   Taser is the brand name of an electronic immobilization device, or EID, that fires two darts attached to wires. The device delivers a 50,000-volt charge, incapacitating an individual long enough for troopers to take the person into custody without causing permanent harm to the individual.   Miller said State Police conducted a two-year study of the possible use of EIDs and initiated a pilot program in 2006 by providing Tasers to 18 officers statewide.   Based on results of that program, Miller said, State Police this year began training and equipping 3,000 troopers with Taser X26 model devices made by Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. The Tasers, which cost $899 per unit, were purchased primarily with asset forfeiture funds.   Miller said troopers used their Tasers 144 times during the first six months of this year.   “The response from troopers in the field has been completely positive,” Miller said. “One of the key reasons is that using Tasers means it’s much less likely that an officer will become involved in a physical confrontation that could result in injuries to the suspect or the officer.   # # #   PSP62, Pennsylvania State Police, Public Information Office, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717-783-5556. Source: http://www.psp.state.pa.us/psp/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=177285)Source: Col. Miller Says Tasers Protect Public, Officers Results Show Devices Reduce Need for Use of Deadly Force by Troopers HARRISBURG, PA (July 16, 2008) – The recent deployment of Tasers to State Police troopers for use in confrontational situations is helping to ensure the safety of the public and officers themselves, Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said today.   “Tasers already have proven to be highly effective, non-lethal weapons for subduing individuals threatening harm to themselves or others,” Miller said during a news conference at the State Police Academy in Hershey. “They have been used with great success to control people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; suffering from mental health issues; or who simply are intent on harming themselves, our officers or others.   “In some of these cases, there is no doubt our troopers would have been required to grapple with the individuals, strike them with their batons, or fire their service weapons to protect themselves or others. The Taser provides an excellent option to the use of deadly force.”   Miller said Tasers have been used in a wide variety of circumstances, including the following situations:   Two troopers in Clearfield County responded to a report of an intoxicated man arguing with his elderly parents. The troopers found the subject armed with a rifle, which he pointed at them. One of the troopers fired his Taser and the man was taken into custody. Troopers in Cumberland County encountered a man armed with a knife who was threatening suicide. When the man refused commands to drop the knife, a trooper fired his Taser and the officers were able to disarm the subject. Adult probation officers in Franklin County called State Police seeking assistance with a suspect who had wrestled with them and fled on foot. A trooper found the man, who was carrying a glass bottle. When the man ignored the trooper’s commands and tried to run away, the trooper used his Taser and took the suspect into custody.   Taser is the brand name of an electronic immobilization device, or EID, that fires two darts attached to wires. The device delivers a 50,000-volt charge, incapacitating an individual long enough for troopers to take the person into custody without causing permanent harm to the individual.   Miller said State Police conducted a two-year study of the possible use of EIDs and initiated a pilot program in 2006 by providing Tasers to 18 officers statewide.   Based on results of that program, Miller said, State Police this year began training and equipping 3,000 troopers with Taser X26 model devices made by Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. The Tasers, which cost $899 per unit, were purchased primarily with asset forfeiture funds.   Miller said troopers used their Tasers 144 times during the first six months of this year.   “The response from troopers in the field has been completely positive,” Miller said. “One of the key reasons is that using Tasers means it’s much less likely that an officer will become involved in a physical confrontation that could result in injuries to the suspect or the officer.   # # #   PSP62, Pennsylvania State Police, Public Information Office, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717-783-5556. Source: http://www.psp.state.pa.us/psp/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=177285)

41. Concord Police Dept CAReview of Field Results 2006 vs 2005 Source: Concord Police Report to Council Committee on Policy Development and Internal Operations of May 14, 2007. Update of Police Department Deployment of Electromuscular Disruption Devices (EMD) [TASER] Concord Police first deployed TASER systems in 1999 and issued to sergeants and corporals only. In November 2005, the City Council authorized and expansion of the TASER program and allowed officers to carry TASER systems on their belt.. To address community concerns and some misinformation about the TASER devices, the Chief of Police reviewed policies on TASER usage from a variety of law enforcement agencies and met with the ACLU prior to expanding the program. “The expanded EMD program has been successful. As expected, us of the TASER has increased. However, at the same time, use of other force options such as baton strikes, OC spray and canine deployment has dropped significantly. Total reported officer injuries arising from use-of-force events have also decreased.” “Experience has demonstrated that highly volatile and potentially deadly events have been successfully resolved through the use of TASER devices.”Source: Concord Police Report to Council Committee on Policy Development and Internal Operations of May 14, 2007. Update of Police Department Deployment of Electromuscular Disruption Devices (EMD) [TASER] Concord Police first deployed TASER systems in 1999 and issued to sergeants and corporals only. In November 2005, the City Council authorized and expansion of the TASER program and allowed officers to carry TASER systems on their belt.. To address community concerns and some misinformation about the TASER devices, the Chief of Police reviewed policies on TASER usage from a variety of law enforcement agencies and met with the ACLU prior to expanding the program. “The expanded EMD program has been successful. As expected, us of the TASER has increased. However, at the same time, use of other force options such as baton strikes, OC spray and canine deployment has dropped significantly. Total reported officer injuries arising from use-of-force events have also decreased.” “Experience has demonstrated that highly volatile and potentially deadly events have been successfully resolved through the use of TASER devices.”

42. Toronto Police Services ON2006 Field Results of 174 Deployments Source: 8. February 18, 2007 from William Blair, Chief of Police Re: 2006 Annual Report: Use of Tasers February 18, 2007 To: Chair and Members Toronto Police Services Board From: William Blair Chief of Police Subject: ANNUAL REPORT ON THE USE OF TASERS - 2006 Source: 8. February 18, 2007 from William Blair, Chief of Police Re: 2006 Annual Report: Use of Tasers February 18, 2007 To: Chair and Members Toronto Police Services Board From: William Blair Chief of Police Subject: ANNUAL REPORT ON THE USE OF TASERS - 2006

43. Toronto Police Services ON2008 Field Results of 367 Deployments Source: 8. February 18, 2007 from William Blair, Chief of Police Re: 2006 Annual Report: Use of Tasers February 18, 2007 To: Chair and Members Toronto Police Services Board From: William Blair Chief of Police Subject: ANNUAL REPORT ON THE USE OF TASERS - 2006 Source: 8. February 18, 2007 from William Blair, Chief of Police Re: 2006 Annual Report: Use of Tasers February 18, 2007 To: Chair and Members Toronto Police Services Board From: William Blair Chief of Police Subject: ANNUAL REPORT ON THE USE OF TASERS - 2006

44. Durham Regional Police ON2008 Field Results of 42 Deployments Source: Taser/ Electronic Control Device Deployment Statistics 2008 Year End Totals January 1st to December 31st, DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE Police Learning Centre- Use of Force Section  Reported Deployments  Region Wide Total: 42 Effective Deployments; 40 Non-effective (clothing/distance): 2  Community Police Office 15 Division: 0 16 Division: 4 17 Division: 19 18 Division: 6 19 Division: 10 Deployments involving TSU; 2 Central Cell Block: 3 Deployment Type Force Presence Only: 18 Drive Stun Mode: 10 Full Probe Deployment: 15 Armed Subjects Firearm: 0 Edged Weapon; 6 Blunt Weapon: 2 Other; 1 Total; 9 Subject Behaviour on Deployment Co-operative: 0 Passive Resistant: 0 Active Resistant: 6 Assaultive: 28 Serious Bodily Harm/ Death: 8 Related Injuries -not including minor puncture wounds expected from normal ECD/ Taser use   Subject: 1- Minor Officer: 0 Third Party: 0Source: Taser/ Electronic Control Device Deployment Statistics 2008 Year End Totals January 1st to December 31st, DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE Police Learning Centre- Use of Force Section  Reported Deployments  Region Wide Total: 42 Effective Deployments; 40 Non-effective (clothing/distance): 2  Community Police Office 15 Division: 0 16 Division: 4 17 Division: 19 18 Division: 6 19 Division: 10 Deployments involving TSU; 2 Central Cell Block: 3 Deployment Type Force Presence Only: 18 Drive Stun Mode: 10 Full Probe Deployment: 15 Armed Subjects Firearm: 0 Edged Weapon; 6 Blunt Weapon: 2 Other; 1 Total; 9 Subject Behaviour on Deployment Co-operative: 0 Passive Resistant: 0 Active Resistant: 6 Assaultive: 28 Serious Bodily Harm/ Death: 8 Related Injuries -not including minor puncture wounds expected from normal ECD/ Taser use   Subject: 1- Minor Officer: 0 Third Party: 0

45. Hamilton Police Services ON 2006 Field Results Source: TASER use down in Hamilton Dec, 17 2007 - 5:30 PM   HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - The use of TASERs by Hamilton Police is on the decline. Statistics released to the Police Services Board show that front line supervisors in Hamilton fired them 60 times in 2006 or 31% less than in their inaugural year. Through the first seven months this year they had been used 32 times. Deputy Chief Ken Leendertse attributes the decline in part to the fact that the community is becoming more aware of the TASER and says often, possible targets will actually back down merely at the sight of the officer pulling it out. Leendertse says the TASER is deemed an intermediate use of force option, as are the asp baton and pepper spray, and can be used when someone is actively resisting police. The Hamilton report says there have been 18 deaths in Canada where the TASER was involved, 6 in Ontario, but Leendertse says there is no direct link between the deaths and the TASERs. - Jay McQueenSource: TASER use down in Hamilton Dec, 17 2007 - 5:30 PM   HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - The use of TASERs by Hamilton Police is on the decline. Statistics released to the Police Services Board show that front line supervisors in Hamilton fired them 60 times in 2006 or 31% less than in their inaugural year. Through the first seven months this year they had been used 32 times. Deputy Chief Ken Leendertse attributes the decline in part to the fact that the community is becoming more aware of the TASER and says often, possible targets will actually back down merely at the sight of the officer pulling it out. Leendertse says the TASER is deemed an intermediate use of force option, as are the asp baton and pepper spray, and can be used when someone is actively resisting police. The Hamilton report says there have been 18 deaths in Canada where the TASER was involved, 6 in Ontario, but Leendertse says there is no direct link between the deaths and the TASERs. - Jay McQueen

46. Royal Canadian Mounted Police 2006 Field Results Nationwide in Canada Source:    http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2007/11/19/4667172-sun.html  Stun-gun victims usually unarmed  Mon, November 19, 2007 By CP  OTTAWA -- Three out of four suspects stun-gunned by the RCMP were unarmed, indicates a review of 563 cases that shows tasers are often used for compliance rather than to defuse major threats. A CP analysis of taser incidents reported by the Mounties reveals that more than 79 per cent of those zapped were not brandishing a weapon. In just over one-fifth of cases, the suspect had a knife, bottle, club or other weapon. The figures, compiled from hundreds of partially censored pages filed by RCMP officers, highlight police preference for the 50,000-volt tool that helps them control dangerous situations with usually minimal injury. But they also suggest a pattern of use by the Mounties as a quick means to keep relatively low-risk prisoners, drunks and unruly suspects in line. Electronic guns have come under intense international scrutiny since the sudden death of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant whose videotaped ordeal at the Vancouver airport last month has been flashed around the globe. He died after being hit twice with a taser and subdued by the RCMP. The national police force is reviewing its taser policies and procedures and is to report to Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day. The 606 incidents analyzed by The CP took place between March 2002 and March 2005, the latest data available from the RCMP under the Access to Information Act. (In 43 cases, officers removed a Taser from its holster but did not fire.) Most incidents by far were recorded in western Canada where the RCMP leads front-line policing. Many involved First Nations. A request for more recent reports of taser use has gone unanswered by the Mounties for more than a year despite a complaint to the federal information commissioner. Source:    http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2007/11/19/4667172-sun.html  Stun-gun victims usually unarmed  Mon, November 19, 2007 By CP  OTTAWA -- Three out of four suspects stun-gunned by the RCMP were unarmed, indicates a review of 563 cases that shows tasers are often used for compliance rather than to defuse major threats. A CP analysis of taser incidents reported by the Mounties reveals that more than 79 per cent of those zapped were not brandishing a weapon. In just over one-fifth of cases, the suspect had a knife, bottle, club or other weapon. The figures, compiled from hundreds of partially censored pages filed by RCMP officers, highlight police preference for the 50,000-volt tool that helps them control dangerous situations with usually minimal injury. But they also suggest a pattern of use by the Mounties as a quick means to keep relatively low-risk prisoners, drunks and unruly suspects in line. Electronic guns have come under intense international scrutiny since the sudden death of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant whose videotaped ordeal at the Vancouver airport last month has been flashed around the globe. He died after being hit twice with a taser and subdued by the RCMP. The national police force is reviewing its taser policies and procedures and is to report to Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day. The 606 incidents analyzed by The CP took place between March 2002 and March 2005, the latest data available from the RCMP under the Access to Information Act. (In 43 cases, officers removed a Taser from its holster but did not fire.) Most incidents by far were recorded in western Canada where the RCMP leads front-line policing. Many involved First Nations. A request for more recent reports of taser use has gone unanswered by the Mounties for more than a year despite a complaint to the federal information commissioner.

47. Nova Scotia RCMP2005-2007 Field Use Results Source: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/235468  N.S. RCMP reviews taser use  The Canadian Press Published Monday March 10th, 2008 Appeared on page A4\ Source: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/235468  HALIFAX, NS Canada – In the wake of recent publicity about police use of Tasers in Nova Scotia, new statistics show RCMP officers in the province drew those weapons 132 times between 2005 and 2007. RCMP Sgt. Mark Gallagher said the figures show that in 85 per cent of those cases, police were dealing with a person who was either drunk or high on drugs. In 40 per cent of cases, the person was armed. "We certainly want to take away from people's minds that we use them at any given moment," Gallagher said. "That's certainly not the case at all." Instead, he said, the weapon is used by officers who are "trying to defuse situations the best way we can with the least injury to anyone." This week, a Justice Department review raised concerns about Taser use, including the inconsistent levels of training among law enforcement agencies in Nova Scotia. The second phase of the review will provide advice to the justice minister on its use. That phase is expected to be complete by the end of April. Gallagher said RCMP records show five people received "minor" injuries as a result of the electrical jolts. Not included in the statistics is the case of Paul Saulnier, who died in 2005 after he was Tasered outside the Digby RCMP detachment while arguing with an officer. His widow is suing the RCMP for negligence.Source: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/235468  N.S. RCMP reviews taser use  The Canadian Press Published Monday March 10th, 2008 Appeared on page A4\ Source: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/235468  HALIFAX, NS Canada – In the wake of recent publicity about police use of Tasers in Nova Scotia, new statistics show RCMP officers in the province drew those weapons 132 times between 2005 and 2007. RCMP Sgt. Mark Gallagher said the figures show that in 85 per cent of those cases, police were dealing with a person who was either drunk or high on drugs. In 40 per cent of cases, the person was armed. "We certainly want to take away from people's minds that we use them at any given moment," Gallagher said. "That's certainly not the case at all." Instead, he said, the weapon is used by officers who are "trying to defuse situations the best way we can with the least injury to anyone." This week, a Justice Department review raised concerns about Taser use, including the inconsistent levels of training among law enforcement agencies in Nova Scotia. The second phase of the review will provide advice to the justice minister on its use. That phase is expected to be complete by the end of April. Gallagher said RCMP records show five people received "minor" injuries as a result of the electrical jolts. Not included in the statistics is the case of Paul Saulnier, who died in 2005 after he was Tasered outside the Digby RCMP detachment while arguing with an officer. His widow is suing the RCMP for negligence.

48. Ottawa Police Service ONDeployments Source: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=6e0ee53e-3a53-4bd9-8e9d-c078825610ed&k=11142  Taser use low with Ottawa police Deployed 112 times in seven years versus 174 in Toronto in 2006  By Andrew Seymour, Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, December 28, 2007 Ottawa police patrol supervisors have deployed Tasers five times in the two months since the department expanded the deployment of the controversial stun guns to make them more accessible to officers on the force's front line.However, the number of times Tasers have been used in Ottawa still pales in comparison to other Ontario and Canadian cities where Taser use has been much more frequent.Yesterday, Ottawa police said Tasers had been used a dozen times this year.The latest incident occurred last Thursday, when a 17-year-old boy was subdued with a Taser after entering traffic on St. Laurent Boulevard and calling for cars to run him over because he was upset over breaking up with his girlfriend.In a subsequent Canadian Press report on the Citizen story, an Ottawa police patrol sergeant was quoted as saying that if police issued a news release every time a Taser was used, "we'd be writing them 10 times a day."Sgt. Peter Couillard, who made the comments, later told the Citizen his remarks were taken out of context.The reality is that Ottawa police use the weapons relatively rarely, compared to several other large Ontario and Canadian cities.Tasers: Officers talk out use to prevent 'worst-case scenario'Continued from Page D1For example, the Niagara Regional Police have deployed the Taser 64 times as of mid-November. In Hamilton, Tasers were used 32 times in the first six months of this year. And Toronto police used the Taser 174 times in 2006.In cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, where frontline patrol officers are authorized to deploy the Taser, use of the device is considerably more frequent.Police in Winnipeg have used the Taser more than 152 times since last fall, when frontline officers were equipped with the device, while police in Calgary have used it 139 times this year.In Edmonton, police have used Tasers 88 times between January and October and drawn them a further 220 times during that time frame.But in Ottawa, police have used Tasers only 112 times over the past seven years.The lower number can be partially attributed to the fact that patrol supervisors have only recently been given the option of deploying the Taser, said Ottawa police Staff Sgt. Syd Gravel, of the department's professional development centre at Algonquin College. Previously, tactical officers were the only members of the force with the necessary training to use them."They are not used that often, for the number of times things can go sour," said Staff Sgt. Gravel.He credited "circumstance" with playing a role in how infrequently Tasers are used in this city, but added that Ottawa officers receive intensive training based on real-life incidents about when and how to use the Taser."They have some very long discussions about using it to prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring. I feel confident that they are well-trained to activate good judgement," he said. "I really strongly believe that once the officer makes the decision to use it, I don't think you'll find an officer have any problem articulating quite clearly why they were confident it was the proper time to use it."Source: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=6e0ee53e-3a53-4bd9-8e9d-c078825610ed&k=11142  Taser use low with Ottawa police Deployed 112 times in seven years versus 174 in Toronto in 2006  By Andrew Seymour, Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, December 28, 2007 Ottawa police patrol supervisors have deployed Tasers five times in the two months since the department expanded the deployment of the controversial stun guns to make them more accessible to officers on the force's front line.However, the number of times Tasers have been used in Ottawa still pales in comparison to other Ontario and Canadian cities where Taser use has been much more frequent.Yesterday, Ottawa police said Tasers had been used a dozen times this year.The latest incident occurred last Thursday, when a 17-year-old boy was subdued with a Taser after entering traffic on St. Laurent Boulevard and calling for cars to run him over because he was upset over breaking up with his girlfriend.In a subsequent Canadian Press report on the Citizen story, an Ottawa police patrol sergeant was quoted as saying that if police issued a news release every time a Taser was used, "we'd be writing them 10 times a day."Sgt. Peter Couillard, who made the comments, later told the Citizen his remarks were taken out of context.The reality is that Ottawa police use the weapons relatively rarely, compared to several other large Ontario and Canadian cities.Tasers: Officers talk out use to prevent 'worst-case scenario'Continued from Page D1For example, the Niagara Regional Police have deployed the Taser 64 times as of mid-November. In Hamilton, Tasers were used 32 times in the first six months of this year. And Toronto police used the Taser 174 times in 2006.In cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, where frontline patrol officers are authorized to deploy the Taser, use of the device is considerably more frequent.Police in Winnipeg have used the Taser more than 152 times since last fall, when frontline officers were equipped with the device, while police in Calgary have used it 139 times this year.In Edmonton, police have used Tasers 88 times between January and October and drawn them a further 220 times during that time frame.But in Ottawa, police have used Tasers only 112 times over the past seven years.The lower number can be partially attributed to the fact that patrol supervisors have only recently been given the option of deploying the Taser, said Ottawa police Staff Sgt. Syd Gravel, of the department's professional development centre at Algonquin College. Previously, tactical officers were the only members of the force with the necessary training to use them."They are not used that often, for the number of times things can go sour," said Staff Sgt. Gravel.He credited "circumstance" with playing a role in how infrequently Tasers are used in this city, but added that Ottawa officers receive intensive training based on real-life incidents about when and how to use the Taser."They have some very long discussions about using it to prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring. I feel confident that they are well-trained to activate good judgement," he said. "I really strongly believe that once the officer makes the decision to use it, I don't think you'll find an officer have any problem articulating quite clearly why they were confident it was the proper time to use it."

49. Niagara Regional Police & Hamilton Police Services 2007 Field Results Source: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=6e0ee53e-3a53-4bd9-8e9d-c078825610ed&k=11142  Taser use low with Ottawa police Deployed 112 times in seven years versus 174 in Toronto in 2006  By Andrew Seymour, Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, December 28, 2007 Ottawa police patrol supervisors have deployed Tasers five times in the two months since the department expanded the deployment of the controversial stun guns to make them more accessible to officers on the force's front line.However, the number of times Tasers have been used in Ottawa still pales in comparison to other Ontario and Canadian cities where Taser use has been much more frequent.Yesterday, Ottawa police said Tasers had been used a dozen times this year.The latest incident occurred last Thursday, when a 17-year-old boy was subdued with a Taser after entering traffic on St. Laurent Boulevard and calling for cars to run him over because he was upset over breaking up with his girlfriend.In a subsequent Canadian Press report on the Citizen story, an Ottawa police patrol sergeant was quoted as saying that if police issued a news release every time a Taser was used, "we'd be writing them 10 times a day."Sgt. Peter Couillard, who made the comments, later told the Citizen his remarks were taken out of context.The reality is that Ottawa police use the weapons relatively rarely, compared to several other large Ontario and Canadian cities.Tasers: Officers talk out use to prevent 'worst-case scenario'Continued from Page D1For example, the Niagara Regional Police have deployed the Taser 64 times as of mid-November. In Hamilton, Tasers were used 32 times in the first six months of this year. And Toronto police used the Taser 174 times in 2006.In cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, where frontline patrol officers are authorized to deploy the Taser, use of the device is considerably more frequent.Police in Winnipeg have used the Taser more than 152 times since last fall, when frontline officers were equipped with the device, while police in Calgary have used it 139 times this year.In Edmonton, police have used Tasers 88 times between January and October and drawn them a further 220 times during that time frame.But in Ottawa, police have used Tasers only 112 times over the past seven years.The lower number can be partially attributed to the fact that patrol supervisors have only recently been given the option of deploying the Taser, said Ottawa police Staff Sgt. Syd Gravel, of the department's professional development centre at Algonquin College. Previously, tactical officers were the only members of the force with the necessary training to use them."They are not used that often, for the number of times things can go sour," said Staff Sgt. Gravel.He credited "circumstance" with playing a role in how infrequently Tasers are used in this city, but added that Ottawa officers receive intensive training based on real-life incidents about when and how to use the Taser."They have some very long discussions about using it to prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring. I feel confident that they are well-trained to activate good judgement," he said. "I really strongly believe that once the officer makes the decision to use it, I don't think you'll find an officer have any problem articulating quite clearly why they were confident it was the proper time to use it."Source: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=6e0ee53e-3a53-4bd9-8e9d-c078825610ed&k=11142  Taser use low with Ottawa police Deployed 112 times in seven years versus 174 in Toronto in 2006  By Andrew Seymour, Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, December 28, 2007 Ottawa police patrol supervisors have deployed Tasers five times in the two months since the department expanded the deployment of the controversial stun guns to make them more accessible to officers on the force's front line.However, the number of times Tasers have been used in Ottawa still pales in comparison to other Ontario and Canadian cities where Taser use has been much more frequent.Yesterday, Ottawa police said Tasers had been used a dozen times this year.The latest incident occurred last Thursday, when a 17-year-old boy was subdued with a Taser after entering traffic on St. Laurent Boulevard and calling for cars to run him over because he was upset over breaking up with his girlfriend.In a subsequent Canadian Press report on the Citizen story, an Ottawa police patrol sergeant was quoted as saying that if police issued a news release every time a Taser was used, "we'd be writing them 10 times a day."Sgt. Peter Couillard, who made the comments, later told the Citizen his remarks were taken out of context.The reality is that Ottawa police use the weapons relatively rarely, compared to several other large Ontario and Canadian cities.Tasers: Officers talk out use to prevent 'worst-case scenario'Continued from Page D1For example, the Niagara Regional Police have deployed the Taser 64 times as of mid-November. In Hamilton, Tasers were used 32 times in the first six months of this year. And Toronto police used the Taser 174 times in 2006.In cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, where frontline patrol officers are authorized to deploy the Taser, use of the device is considerably more frequent.Police in Winnipeg have used the Taser more than 152 times since last fall, when frontline officers were equipped with the device, while police in Calgary have used it 139 times this year.In Edmonton, police have used Tasers 88 times between January and October and drawn them a further 220 times during that time frame.But in Ottawa, police have used Tasers only 112 times over the past seven years.The lower number can be partially attributed to the fact that patrol supervisors have only recently been given the option of deploying the Taser, said Ottawa police Staff Sgt. Syd Gravel, of the department's professional development centre at Algonquin College. Previously, tactical officers were the only members of the force with the necessary training to use them."They are not used that often, for the number of times things can go sour," said Staff Sgt. Gravel.He credited "circumstance" with playing a role in how infrequently Tasers are used in this city, but added that Ottawa officers receive intensive training based on real-life incidents about when and how to use the Taser."They have some very long discussions about using it to prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring. I feel confident that they are well-trained to activate good judgement," he said. "I really strongly believe that once the officer makes the decision to use it, I don't think you'll find an officer have any problem articulating quite clearly why they were confident it was the proper time to use it."

50. Winnipeg Police Services AB 2006 Field Results Source:    Tue, December 4, 2007, Detail Taser use: panel, Police must prepare report  By CHRIS KITCHING, SUN MEDIA In answering city councillors' questions, Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers (inset) 160 times this year. (C. PROCAYLO/SUN MEDIA) City hall's protection committee has asked the Winnipeg Police Service to produce a public document that includes highlights of its Taser-use policy and details about how often the weapon is used. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi made the request to acting police chief Doug Webster while he explained the policy and answered councillors' questions about Tasers at yesterday's committee meeting. "We should be very transparent and accountable and make sure our policies are adequate," Gerbasi said after the meeting. "It should be on the public record, what our policy is, so the public knows." The police service has 90 days to prepare a report. Webster said he is not opposed to making the information public, but warned some of it may not be included because it may reveal the tactics police use in certain situations. Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers 160 times this year. In comparison, he said, Calgary officers have used their Tasers 80 times, while Edmonton officers have used theirs 250 times, although more officers in that city than in Winnipeg are equipped with the weapon. Since Winnipeg police began using Tasers in 2006, there have been no reports of death or significant injury related to their use, Webster said. There have been no substantiated allegations made about their use, he said. Controversy and concerns about Tasers erupted following the Oct. 14 death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski. He died after he was shocked by RCMP at Vancouver's airport. The cause of death was not determined. Multiple investigations into the incident and the use of stun guns are ongoing in Canada.    December 3, 2007 City calls for Taser-use data By CHRIS KITCHING, SUN MEDIA Winnipeg -- City hall’s protection committee has asked Winnipeg Police Service to produce a public document that includes highlights of its Taser-use policy and details about how often the weapon is used. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi made the request to acting police chief Doug Webster while he explained the policy and answered councillors’ questions about Tasers at today's committee meeting. The police service has 90 days to prepare a report. Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers 160 times this year — 65 as coercion, 50 as probe deployment, and 45 as a drive stun. In comparison, he said, Calgary officers have used their Tasers 80 times, and Edmonton officers 250 times, although more officers in that police service than in Winnipeg’s are equipped with the weapon. Since Winnipeg police began using Tasers in 2006, there have been no reports of death or significant injury related to their use, Webster said. Controversy and concerns about Tasers erupted following the Oct. 14 death of Robert Dziekanski. He died after he was shocked by police at Vancouver's airport. The cause of death has not been made public. Source:    Tue, December 4, 2007, Detail Taser use: panel, Police must prepare report  By CHRIS KITCHING, SUN MEDIA In answering city councillors' questions, Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers (inset) 160 times this year. (C. PROCAYLO/SUN MEDIA) City hall's protection committee has asked the Winnipeg Police Service to produce a public document that includes highlights of its Taser-use policy and details about how often the weapon is used. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi made the request to acting police chief Doug Webster while he explained the policy and answered councillors' questions about Tasers at yesterday's committee meeting. "We should be very transparent and accountable and make sure our policies are adequate," Gerbasi said after the meeting. "It should be on the public record, what our policy is, so the public knows." The police service has 90 days to prepare a report. Webster said he is not opposed to making the information public, but warned some of it may not be included because it may reveal the tactics police use in certain situations. Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers 160 times this year. In comparison, he said, Calgary officers have used their Tasers 80 times, while Edmonton officers have used theirs 250 times, although more officers in that city than in Winnipeg are equipped with the weapon. Since Winnipeg police began using Tasers in 2006, there have been no reports of death or significant injury related to their use, Webster said. There have been no substantiated allegations made about their use, he said. Controversy and concerns about Tasers erupted following the Oct. 14 death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski. He died after he was shocked by RCMP at Vancouver's airport. The cause of death was not determined. Multiple investigations into the incident and the use of stun guns are ongoing in Canada.    December 3, 2007 City calls for Taser-use data By CHRIS KITCHING, SUN MEDIA Winnipeg -- City hall’s protection committee has asked Winnipeg Police Service to produce a public document that includes highlights of its Taser-use policy and details about how often the weapon is used. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi made the request to acting police chief Doug Webster while he explained the policy and answered councillors’ questions about Tasers at today's committee meeting. The police service has 90 days to prepare a report. Webster said Winnipeg police officers have used Tasers 160 times this year — 65 as coercion, 50 as probe deployment, and 45 as a drive stun. In comparison, he said, Calgary officers have used their Tasers 80 times, and Edmonton officers 250 times, although more officers in that police service than in Winnipeg’s are equipped with the weapon. Since Winnipeg police began using Tasers in 2006, there have been no reports of death or significant injury related to their use, Webster said. Controversy and concerns about Tasers erupted following the Oct. 14 death of Robert Dziekanski. He died after he was shocked by police at Vancouver's airport. The cause of death has not been made public.

51. Winnipeg Police Services MB Jan-Nov 2007 160 Field Use Results Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2007/12/03/taser-wpg.html Threat of Taser use often enough to quell suspects: police,  Last Updated: Monday, December 3, 2007 | 2:55 PM CT , CBC News Winnipeg police officers have used their Tasers 160 times so far in 2007 — but in about 40 per cent of the cases, simply showing the weapon was enough to get people to comply, a city committee heard Monday. Acting deputy police chief Doug Webster told the protection and community services committee that Tasers have been useful tools in what the force calls "intermediary use of force." In 65 cases, just showing a Taser or threatening to use it was enough to rein in an out-of-control situation, Webster said. "Most of the time … it's been used this year, the display of the weapon itself or having that red dot on your chest is enough to make that person go, OK, that's enough," he said. At other times, they deployed two small probes that are attached to the device by conductive wires and transmit electrical pulses that can immobilize a person. Sometimes police removed the  probes and used the Taser directly on individuals, known as the "drive stun" mode. "Probe deployments were 15 (TASER Editor’s Note: the Global News states 50 uses and not 15 below!) out of that 160, and it was utilized in drive stun [mode] 45 times out of those 160 times, so it's fairly balanced," Webster said. Police didn't specify what happened in the other 35 of the 160 cases Winnipeg police have not received any reports of serious injuries after Tasers have been used, Webster said, but in most cases when the weapons are used, medical help is called to the scene. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi, who chaired the committee that originally approved the use of Tasers, peppered Webster with questions regarding police policy on their use. The committee asked police to report back within 90 days on the force's Taser policy and how the weapon has been used by police so far. City cops face tough Taser questions Global News Source: http://www.canada.com/globaltv/winnipeg/story.html?id=dfd5802b-c3f7-4980-aac4-029af0184cb7&k=9850 Tasers are no more dangerous than a baton or pepper spray, Winnipeg police told City Hall Monday. The force met with councilors to discuss their taser policy - a discussion sparked by recent taser-related deaths in other cities. In Winnipeg, police have pulled out the shocking device 160 times in the last year. Fifty of those were launched at a suspect, 45 times an officer held the taser against a suspect, while the remaining incidents saw the weapon being pointed, but not discharged. Police are expected to make their taser policy public in the next 90 days. But it's unclear whether officers will include any further details taser use. Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2007/12/03/taser-wpg.html Threat of Taser use often enough to quell suspects: police,  Last Updated: Monday, December 3, 2007 | 2:55 PM CT , CBC News Winnipeg police officers have used their Tasers 160 times so far in 2007 — but in about 40 per cent of the cases, simply showing the weapon was enough to get people to comply, a city committee heard Monday. Acting deputy police chief Doug Webster told the protection and community services committee that Tasers have been useful tools in what the force calls "intermediary use of force." In 65 cases, just showing a Taser or threatening to use it was enough to rein in an out-of-control situation, Webster said. "Most of the time … it's been used this year, the display of the weapon itself or having that red dot on your chest is enough to make that person go, OK, that's enough," he said. At other times, they deployed two small probes that are attached to the device by conductive wires and transmit electrical pulses that can immobilize a person. Sometimes police removed the  probes and used the Taser directly on individuals, known as the "drive stun" mode. "Probe deployments were 15 (TASER Editor’s Note: the Global News states 50 uses and not 15 below!) out of that 160, and it was utilized in drive stun [mode] 45 times out of those 160 times, so it's fairly balanced," Webster said. Police didn't specify what happened in the other 35 of the 160 cases Winnipeg police have not received any reports of serious injuries after Tasers have been used, Webster said, but in most cases when the weapons are used, medical help is called to the scene. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi, who chaired the committee that originally approved the use of Tasers, peppered Webster with questions regarding police policy on their use. The committee asked police to report back within 90 days on the force's Taser policy and how the weapon has been used by police so far. City cops face tough Taser questions Global News Source: http://www.canada.com/globaltv/winnipeg/story.html?id=dfd5802b-c3f7-4980-aac4-029af0184cb7&k=9850 Tasers are no more dangerous than a baton or pepper spray, Winnipeg police told City Hall Monday. The force met with councilors to discuss their taser policy - a discussion sparked by recent taser-related deaths in other cities. In Winnipeg, police have pulled out the shocking device 160 times in the last year. Fifty of those were launched at a suspect, 45 times an officer held the taser against a suspect, while the remaining incidents saw the weapon being pointed, but not discharged. Police are expected to make their taser policy public in the next 90 days. But it's unclear whether officers will include any further details taser use.

52. Vancouver Police BC  2002-2007 150 Field Use Results Source: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=d5e6cc58-cc38-4731-a214-99d9aac5a177&k=3045 Cops haul out Taser about once every two weeks 'In every case, there was a high level of violence‘ By Ethan Baron and Susan Lazaruk, The Province Published: Monday, March 10, 2008 Vancouver, BC – Vancouver police used or produced a Taser 150 times in the six years between 2002 and 2007, or about once every two weeks, always in violent situations, according to internal police documents released after an access-to-information request. "In every case, there was a high level of violence," according to police spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness. "There were people armed, in many of the cases, armed with knives, armed with shards of glass, whatever their weapon of choice." McGuinness said the Taser lessens injuries to those arrested and to police. "In many, many cases, it just stops the incidents, and less harm occurred to our members and to the people involved," she said. McGuinness said suspects often refuse to comply with police direction. "A request [from an officer] is seldom enough to stop someone who's bent on suicide, or deranged from a mental illness or high on drugs or alcohol or armed with a weapon." For instance, in a 2006 violent domestic call, the victim had locked herself in the bathroom and called 911, according to the police report. "Victim obviously assaulted -- blood on face and clothes. Suspect non-compliant and challenged [officers] to fight. Suspect began to walk towards kitchen, refused to obey commands and a single probe deployment [from a Taser] was fired at the suspect's back. Suspect taken into custody," says the report. "In many cases, it was not necessary to actually fire the Taser," said McGuinness. "Violent behaviour stopped just at the sight of it, or even a suggestion that it might be used." McGuinness said the Taser is painful, as are the beanbag gun and the baton, but she maintained it is safe. "If we ever thought that the use of the Taser was not safe, or was not effective, or did not save lives, we would not use it," she said. Last December, the RCMP's public complaints commissioner, Paul Kennedy, recommended Tasers only be used when people are being "combative" or are "posing a risk of death or grievous bodily harm" to police, themselves or the public. The Vancouver police force is not subject to the RCMP recommendations. ebaron@png.canwest.com and slazaruk@png.canwest.comSource: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=d5e6cc58-cc38-4731-a214-99d9aac5a177&k=3045 Cops haul out Taser about once every two weeks 'In every case, there was a high level of violence‘ By Ethan Baron and Susan Lazaruk, The Province Published: Monday, March 10, 2008 Vancouver, BC – Vancouver police used or produced a Taser 150 times in the six years between 2002 and 2007, or about once every two weeks, always in violent situations, according to internal police documents released after an access-to-information request. "In every case, there was a high level of violence," according to police spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness. "There were people armed, in many of the cases, armed with knives, armed with shards of glass, whatever their weapon of choice." McGuinness said the Taser lessens injuries to those arrested and to police. "In many, many cases, it just stops the incidents, and less harm occurred to our members and to the people involved," she said. McGuinness said suspects often refuse to comply with police direction. "A request [from an officer] is seldom enough to stop someone who's bent on suicide, or deranged from a mental illness or high on drugs or alcohol or armed with a weapon." For instance, in a 2006 violent domestic call, the victim had locked herself in the bathroom and called 911, according to the police report. "Victim obviously assaulted -- blood on face and clothes. Suspect non-compliant and challenged [officers] to fight. Suspect began to walk towards kitchen, refused to obey commands and a single probe deployment [from a Taser] was fired at the suspect's back. Suspect taken into custody," says the report. "In many cases, it was not necessary to actually fire the Taser," said McGuinness. "Violent behaviour stopped just at the sight of it, or even a suggestion that it might be used." McGuinness said the Taser is painful, as are the beanbag gun and the baton, but she maintained it is safe. "If we ever thought that the use of the Taser was not safe, or was not effective, or did not save lives, we would not use it," she said. Last December, the RCMP's public complaints commissioner, Paul Kennedy, recommended Tasers only be used when people are being "combative" or are "posing a risk of death or grievous bodily harm" to police, themselves or the public. The Vancouver police force is not subject to the RCMP recommendations. ebaron@png.canwest.com and slazaruk@png.canwest.com

53. Delta Police BC  2002-2008 47 Field Use with 31 TASER ECDs Source: http://www.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=1a7b321f-925e-4781-9178-973b1d9c4484 Police chief defends Tasers, properly used  Jessica Kerr, Surrey Now Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2008  Over the past six years, Delta police officers have displayed their Tasers 47 times, but they've only actually used the device on 27 occasions. Delta police chief Jim Cessford was one several Lower Mainland police chiefs asked to comment at the Braidwood inquiry on Taser use by police officers. He appeared before inquiry commissioner Thomas Braidwood last week. The public inquiry was called after the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski, who was jolted twice with a Taser by RCMP officers at Vancouver International Airport last year. The first part of the inquiry is looking into Taser use in general. "Obviously I am a strong proponent of the CEW (conducted energy weapon) because I believe it saves the lives of the victim, subject and the police officer," Cessford said in his speech. "... the police are mandated to resolve violent situations which often results in violent and dangerous people being taken into custody," he said. "There is no risk-free method to accomplish this task. Presence and dialogue are the preferred force options, but these are not always effective and, in some cases, the risk of harm to others demands immediate response with a higher level control tactic option employed." The local department has 31 Tasers at its disposal and any of the approximately 160 active officers can sign out one of the devices while on duty. Spokesperson Constable Sharlene Brooks said there is a minimum of six Tasers on the street at any one time. Since 2003, the department has had a separate policy covering the use of Tasers. It states that Tasers "... shall only be used on subjects whom a member has reasonable and probable grounds to believe are a danger to themselves or others, need to be immediately controlled and the member reasonably believes will be actively aggressive/assaultive toward police or others..." The device can only be deployed if someone poses a threat to officers or others and if other, lesser force options available to police are inappropriate under the circumstances. "Many of these persons are in an extremely agitated state when they become the object of a police call for service," Cessford told the inquiry. "They are extremely difficult to deal with given their incredible strength and inability, or refusal, to follow directions given to them." Delta's police chief chairs the Canadian Police Research Centre Advisory Committee (CPRC) and represents the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) on the committee. He noted that in 2004, that CAPC asked the CPRC to conduct research and a review into the use of Tasers. "The CPRC conducted their research and reported that there was not any evidence; medical, scientific or otherwise to indicate that the CEW causes death or serious injury... In light of the recent controversy surrounding conducted energy weapons, the CACP has again requested that CPRC conduct further research." Cessford said the research will be completed by August and the committee's findings will be made public. "There has been much discussion and study regarding the cause of in-custody deaths," he said. "There is no simple answer. There is often drug involvement, a combination of force options applied, physiologic factors unique to the subject and the position in which the subject was restrained to be considered... these incidents are very difficult for everyone involved." Source: http://www.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=1a7b321f-925e-4781-9178-973b1d9c4484 Police chief defends Tasers, properly used  Jessica Kerr, Surrey Now Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2008  Over the past six years, Delta police officers have displayed their Tasers 47 times, but they've only actually used the device on 27 occasions. Delta police chief Jim Cessford was one several Lower Mainland police chiefs asked to comment at the Braidwood inquiry on Taser use by police officers. He appeared before inquiry commissioner Thomas Braidwood last week. The public inquiry was called after the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski, who was jolted twice with a Taser by RCMP officers at Vancouver International Airport last year. The first part of the inquiry is looking into Taser use in general. "Obviously I am a strong proponent of the CEW (conducted energy weapon) because I believe it saves the lives of the victim, subject and the police officer," Cessford said in his speech. "... the police are mandated to resolve violent situations which often results in violent and dangerous people being taken into custody," he said. "There is no risk-free method to accomplish this task. Presence and dialogue are the preferred force options, but these are not always effective and, in some cases, the risk of harm to others demands immediate response with a higher level control tactic option employed." The local department has 31 Tasers at its disposal and any of the approximately 160 active officers can sign out one of the devices while on duty. Spokesperson Constable Sharlene Brooks said there is a minimum of six Tasers on the street at any one time. Since 2003, the department has had a separate policy covering the use of Tasers. It states that Tasers "... shall only be used on subjects whom a member has reasonable and probable grounds to believe are a danger to themselves or others, need to be immediately controlled and the member reasonably believes will be actively aggressive/assaultive toward police or others..." The device can only be deployed if someone poses a threat to officers or others and if other, lesser force options available to police are inappropriate under the circumstances. "Many of these persons are in an extremely agitated state when they become the object of a police call for service," Cessford told the inquiry. "They are extremely difficult to deal with given their incredible strength and inability, or refusal, to follow directions given to them." Delta's police chief chairs the Canadian Police Research Centre Advisory Committee (CPRC) and represents the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) on the committee. He noted that in 2004, that CAPC asked the CPRC to conduct research and a review into the use of Tasers. "The CPRC conducted their research and reported that there was not any evidence; medical, scientific or otherwise to indicate that the CEW causes death or serious injury... In light of the recent controversy surrounding conducted energy weapons, the CACP has again requested that CPRC conduct further research." Cessford said the research will be completed by August and the committee's findings will be made public. "There has been much discussion and study regarding the cause of in-custody deaths," he said. "There is no simple answer. There is often drug involvement, a combination of force options applied, physiologic factors unique to the subject and the position in which the subject was restrained to be considered... these incidents are very difficult for everyone involved."

54. New Zealand Police 2007 One-Year TASER ECD Trial Sources: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0805/S00531.htm  Press Release: New Zealand First Party 27 May 2008 Issue Tasers Now – NZ First The delay in the decision to issue Tasers is depriving officers an effective policing tool, and is putting the safety of frontline officers at risk, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. A decision by the Commissioner of Police on the issuing of Tasers to frontline officers was expected early this year. However, eight months after the year-long trial of Tasers finished, the decision is yet to be made public.  “The decision should have been easy. Officers on the beat want tools that enable them to do their job safely and effectively, and the trial showed that the Taser was such a tool,” said Mr Mark. “Currently, officers have the option of using either a baton or lethal force when responding to incidents involving violence. This is too great a jump between response options. Tasers provide a level of force that fits between the two options, and will both save offenders lives and, most importantly, protect officers. “If the delay is due to public relations concerns, the trial result speaks for itself. The statistics clearly show that officers were judicious in their use of the Taser, with it being presented 128 times during the trial and only discharged on 20 occasions. It unequivocally rubbishes claims by hysterical anti-Taser groups that Police can not be trusted with the device. “Police National Headquarters is gaining a reputation for being tardy in supplying urgently needed safety equipment to officers. I strongly urge them to help shake this reputation by issuing Tasers, and issuing them now,” said Mr Mark.   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10512782 Police taser decision in 'two to three months' 5:00PM Tuesday May 27, 2008 The Government is hoping police will make a decision in the next "two to three months" on whether to adopt Tasers. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today called for police and the Government to move more swiftly to implement the stun guns, which he said gave police a level of force between a baton and a gun. But Cabinet Minister Rick Barker, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Annette King, today said the decision would be made by Police Commissioner Howard Broad in his own time. "The commissioner's decision will be released in due course, hopefully in the next two to three months." Mr Broad is currently considering a report on the Taser trial, which finished about eight months ago. - NZPASources: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0805/S00531.htm  Press Release: New Zealand First Party 27 May 2008 Issue Tasers Now – NZ First The delay in the decision to issue Tasers is depriving officers an effective policing tool, and is putting the safety of frontline officers at risk, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. A decision by the Commissioner of Police on the issuing of Tasers to frontline officers was expected early this year. However, eight months after the year-long trial of Tasers finished, the decision is yet to be made public.  “The decision should have been easy. Officers on the beat want tools that enable them to do their job safely and effectively, and the trial showed that the Taser was such a tool,” said Mr Mark. “Currently, officers have the option of using either a baton or lethal force when responding to incidents involving violence. This is too great a jump between response options. Tasers provide a level of force that fits between the two options, and will both save offenders lives and, most importantly, protect officers. “If the delay is due to public relations concerns, the trial result speaks for itself. The statistics clearly show that officers were judicious in their use of the Taser, with it being presented 128 times during the trial and only discharged on 20 occasions. It unequivocally rubbishes claims by hysterical anti-Taser groups that Police can not be trusted with the device. “Police National Headquarters is gaining a reputation for being tardy in supplying urgently needed safety equipment to officers. I strongly urge them to help shake this reputation by issuing Tasers, and issuing them now,” said Mr Mark.   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10512782 Police taser decision in 'two to three months' 5:00PM Tuesday May 27, 2008 The Government is hoping police will make a decision in the next "two to three months" on whether to adopt Tasers. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today called for police and the Government to move more swiftly to implement the stun guns, which he said gave police a level of force between a baton and a gun. But Cabinet Minister Rick Barker, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Annette King, today said the decision would be made by Police Commissioner Howard Broad in his own time. "The commissioner's decision will be released in due course, hopefully in the next two to three months." Mr Broad is currently considering a report on the Taser trial, which finished about eight months ago. - NZPA

55. New Zealand Police 2007 One-Year TASER ECD Trial Sources: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0805/S00531.htm  Press Release: New Zealand First Party 27 May 2008 Issue Tasers Now – NZ First The delay in the decision to issue Tasers is depriving officers an effective policing tool, and is putting the safety of frontline officers at risk, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. A decision by the Commissioner of Police on the issuing of Tasers to frontline officers was expected early this year. However, eight months after the year-long trial of Tasers finished, the decision is yet to be made public.  “The decision should have been easy. Officers on the beat want tools that enable them to do their job safely and effectively, and the trial showed that the Taser was such a tool,” said Mr Mark. “Currently, officers have the option of using either a baton or lethal force when responding to incidents involving violence. This is too great a jump between response options. Tasers provide a level of force that fits between the two options, and will both save offenders lives and, most importantly, protect officers. “If the delay is due to public relations concerns, the trial result speaks for itself. The statistics clearly show that officers were judicious in their use of the Taser, with it being presented 128 times during the trial and only discharged on 20 occasions. It unequivocally rubbishes claims by hysterical anti-Taser groups that Police can not be trusted with the device. “Police National Headquarters is gaining a reputation for being tardy in supplying urgently needed safety equipment to officers. I strongly urge them to help shake this reputation by issuing Tasers, and issuing them now,” said Mr Mark. tp://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10512782 Police taser decision in 'two to three months' 5:00PM Tuesday May 27, 2008 The Government is hoping police will make a decision in the next "two to three months" on whether to adopt Tasers. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today called for police and the Government to move more swiftly to implement the stun guns, which he said gave police a level of force between a baton and a gun. But Cabinet Minister Rick Barker, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Annette King, today said the decision would be made by Police Commissioner Howard Broad in his own time. "The commissioner's decision will be released in due course, hopefully in the next two to three months." Mr Broad is currently considering a report on the Taser trial, which finished about eight months ago. - NZPASources: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0805/S00531.htm  Press Release: New Zealand First Party 27 May 2008 Issue Tasers Now – NZ First The delay in the decision to issue Tasers is depriving officers an effective policing tool, and is putting the safety of frontline officers at risk, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. A decision by the Commissioner of Police on the issuing of Tasers to frontline officers was expected early this year. However, eight months after the year-long trial of Tasers finished, the decision is yet to be made public.  “The decision should have been easy. Officers on the beat want tools that enable them to do their job safely and effectively, and the trial showed that the Taser was such a tool,” said Mr Mark. “Currently, officers have the option of using either a baton or lethal force when responding to incidents involving violence. This is too great a jump between response options. Tasers provide a level of force that fits between the two options, and will both save offenders lives and, most importantly, protect officers. “If the delay is due to public relations concerns, the trial result speaks for itself. The statistics clearly show that officers were judicious in their use of the Taser, with it being presented 128 times during the trial and only discharged on 20 occasions. It unequivocally rubbishes claims by hysterical anti-Taser groups that Police can not be trusted with the device. “Police National Headquarters is gaining a reputation for being tardy in supplying urgently needed safety equipment to officers. I strongly urge them to help shake this reputation by issuing Tasers, and issuing them now,” said Mr Mark. tp://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10512782 Police taser decision in 'two to three months' 5:00PM Tuesday May 27, 2008 The Government is hoping police will make a decision in the next "two to three months" on whether to adopt Tasers. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today called for police and the Government to move more swiftly to implement the stun guns, which he said gave police a level of force between a baton and a gun. But Cabinet Minister Rick Barker, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Annette King, today said the decision would be made by Police Commissioner Howard Broad in his own time. "The commissioner's decision will be released in due course, hopefully in the next two to three months." Mr Broad is currently considering a report on the Taser trial, which finished about eight months ago. - NZPA

56. Peel Police Services ON TASER Informationon next two slides Source: Sgt. Kerry McCowellCst. Joey RegoDec. 7th, 2007 PowerPoint Presentation to the Chief of PoliceSource:

57. Source: Sgt. Kerry McCowellCst. Joey RegoDec. 7th, 2007 PowerPoint Presentation to the Chief of PoliceSource:

58. Source: Sgt. Kerry McCowellCst. Joey RegoDec. 7th, 2007 PowerPoint Presentation to the Chief of PoliceSource:

59. Minneapolis State Patrol MNDeployments Autopsy inconclusive on Fridley man who died Details remain unclear about what led state troopers to fire a Taser at the motorist involved in freeway crash. By JIM ADAMS and EMILY JOHNS, Star Tribune Last update: January 18, 2008 - 6:34 AM Source: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/13877081.html?pt=y    A Fridley man who died after being shot with a Taser did not comply with state troopers' requests after he was involved in a rush-hour freeway crash, state authorities said Thursday. But details about what led to the shooting or what caused the death of Mark C. Backlund, 29, were not released. The Anoka County medical examiner did an autopsy Thursday, but that office said the cause and manner of Backlund's death were inconclusive pending further study. Backlund was driving on Interstate 694 to pick up his parents at the airport when he crashed at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in New Brighton. Paramedics said he was breathing when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at a Fridley hospital. Gordon Backlund said that the family was told his son's heart stopped and that the troopers on the scene gave him CPR. He said his son had no previous heart condition. Backlund's parents say that news media attention over their son's accidental death has stunned them but that they're willing to talk about him so people know who he was. "He was a happy child," said Gordon Backlund, who served in the state Legislature from 1985 to 1986. "He really had a unique ability to make people laugh and smile." Two of the five troopers who were involved had just been hired in December and were riding with other troopers for field experience, according to Department of Public Safety officials. Public Safety officials declined to release basic incident response data requested by the Star Tribune under the state's open records law. State records show Backlund had several misdemeanor driving infractions when he was younger but none since 2000. Those include speeding, and underage drinking and driving. While at Mankato State University in 1998, he was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Asked whether his son had car crashes before, Gordon Backlund replied: "He's had fender-benders; all kids do." The five troopers who responded are on routine administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The agency will not provide details about what happened until the facts are sorted out, said bureau Superintendent Tim O'Malley. He said agents would review all evidence, including any videos recorded by cameras on trooper squad cars or Taser weapons. Troopers Jon Froemke and Brian Helget were riding with veteran troopers during their field training. The patrol identified the veterans as Tim Koehler, a trooper since May 2000; Wade Erickson, a trooper since October 1999, and Troy McCormack, a trooper since June 1994. The State Patrol currently has 93 Tasers, some with attached video cameras, in use throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety said the patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project until August 2007 before adding Tasers to trooper equipment used statewide. During the pilot project, Tasers were displayed 27 times and fired 33 times. No known health-related incidents occurred during the test period, according to an agency news release. The release said before receiving a Taser, troopers must complete a two-day training course. They must also take a one-day recertification course annually. Trooper training standards exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. About 480 police agencies in Minnesota use Tasers, including those in Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud. A few agencies, including the State Patrol, have video cameras attached that activate when the Taser is fired. Generally, a Taser shoots two barbed darts on a wire up to 35 feet long. The darts deliver enough voltage to disable a person for about five seconds. Minneapolis has 235 Tasers. Some have cameras and all have a data storage device that records when the weapon is used, said police spokesman Jesse Garcia. He said police fired Tasers 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects. He said only about a dozen of those shocked suffered minor injuries, often from falling down. Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since Tasers were introduced in 2001. Garcia called Tasers "an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects." 'He was a caretaker' Backlund grew up in Fridley, and graduated from Fridley High School in 1996. The youngest of two children, he was an avid fisherman and golfer. "He was a caretaker," said his sister, Melanie Backlund Moe, 32. "He never wanted to see anyone else hurting." His parents chose not to discuss the circumstances around his death, except to say they were shocked. They haven't considered whether to take legal action, they said. "At this point, it's not an issue," Gordon Backlund said. "We're in the process of grieving. I want to celebrate my son's life." Visitation for Mark Backlund will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE, Fridley. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, preceded by another hour of visitation. Jim Adams • 612-673-7658 or jadams@startribune.com. Emily Johns • 952-882-9056 or ejohns@startribune.com.         Autopsy inconclusive on Fridley man who died Details remain unclear about what led state troopers to fire a Taser at the motorist involved in freeway crash. By JIM ADAMS and EMILY JOHNS, Star Tribune Last update: January 18, 2008 - 6:34 AM Source: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/13877081.html?pt=y    A Fridley man who died after being shot with a Taser did not comply with state troopers' requests after he was involved in a rush-hour freeway crash, state authorities said Thursday. But details about what led to the shooting or what caused the death of Mark C. Backlund, 29, were not released. The Anoka County medical examiner did an autopsy Thursday, but that office said the cause and manner of Backlund's death were inconclusive pending further study. Backlund was driving on Interstate 694 to pick up his parents at the airport when he crashed at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in New Brighton. Paramedics said he was breathing when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at a Fridley hospital. Gordon Backlund said that the family was told his son's heart stopped and that the troopers on the scene gave him CPR. He said his son had no previous heart condition. Backlund's parents say that news media attention over their son's accidental death has stunned them but that they're willing to talk about him so people know who he was. "He was a happy child," said Gordon Backlund, who served in the state Legislature from 1985 to 1986. "He really had a unique ability to make people laugh and smile." Two of the five troopers who were involved had just been hired in December and were riding with other troopers for field experience, according to Department of Public Safety officials. Public Safety officials declined to release basic incident response data requested by the Star Tribune under the state's open records law. State records show Backlund had several misdemeanor driving infractions when he was younger but none since 2000. Those include speeding, and underage drinking and driving. While at Mankato State University in 1998, he was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Asked whether his son had car crashes before, Gordon Backlund replied: "He's had fender-benders; all kids do." The five troopers who responded are on routine administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The agency will not provide details about what happened until the facts are sorted out, said bureau Superintendent Tim O'Malley. He said agents would review all evidence, including any videos recorded by cameras on trooper squad cars or Taser weapons. Troopers Jon Froemke and Brian Helget were riding with veteran troopers during their field training. The patrol identified the veterans as Tim Koehler, a trooper since May 2000; Wade Erickson, a trooper since October 1999, and Troy McCormack, a trooper since June 1994. The State Patrol currently has 93 Tasers, some with attached video cameras, in use throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety said the patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project until August 2007 before adding Tasers to trooper equipment used statewide. During the pilot project, Tasers were displayed 27 times and fired 33 times. No known health-related incidents occurred during the test period, according to an agency news release. The release said before receiving a Taser, troopers must complete a two-day training course. They must also take a one-day recertification course annually. Trooper training standards exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. About 480 police agencies in Minnesota use Tasers, including those in Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud. A few agencies, including the State Patrol, have video cameras attached that activate when the Taser is fired. Generally, a Taser shoots two barbed darts on a wire up to 35 feet long. The darts deliver enough voltage to disable a person for about five seconds. Minneapolis has 235 Tasers. Some have cameras and all have a data storage device that records when the weapon is used, said police spokesman Jesse Garcia. He said police fired Tasers 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects. He said only about a dozen of those shocked suffered minor injuries, often from falling down. Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since Tasers were introduced in 2001. Garcia called Tasers "an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects." 'He was a caretaker' Backlund grew up in Fridley, and graduated from Fridley High School in 1996. The youngest of two children, he was an avid fisherman and golfer. "He was a caretaker," said his sister, Melanie Backlund Moe, 32. "He never wanted to see anyone else hurting." His parents chose not to discuss the circumstances around his death, except to say they were shocked. They haven't considered whether to take legal action, they said. "At this point, it's not an issue," Gordon Backlund said. "We're in the process of grieving. I want to celebrate my son's life." Visitation for Mark Backlund will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE, Fridley. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, preceded by another hour of visitation. Jim Adams • 612-673-7658 or jadams@startribune.com. Emily Johns • 952-882-9056 or ejohns@startribune.com.        

60. Council Bluffs PD, IATASER ECD Deployments 2004-2008 Source: Study finds serious injuries from Taser use rare  Chad Nation, Staff Writer, cnation@nonpareilonline.com 02/15/2009 Source: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20262561&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6 File photo - An officer getting tasered.  There is a reason why plastic caps are sold to cover light sockets that are not in use. Electricity and the human body traditionally don't mix well. Perhaps that is why the use of conducted electrical weapons, more commonly referred to by the brand name Taser, have been so effective in law enforcement. Council Bluffs Police Taser instructor Sgt. Patrick Norris said that is the best way to describe the feeling of being struck by the probes of a Taser - like sticking your finger in a light socket. "It is almost hard to explain," Norris said when asked to describe the sensation. "I felt the pain, but, for me, I felt like I had no control over my body. Once the electricity grabbed hold, I couldn't do anything." Tasers utilize compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to 35 feet at a speed of over 160 feet per second, according to the manufacturer's Web site. An electrical signal is transmitted through insulated wires to where the probes make contact with the body or clothing, resulting in an immediate loss of the person's neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse, yet, allowing an instant recovery once the cycle ceases. Taser calls the effect a Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation technology that temporarily overrides the nervous system, taking over muscular control. This technology temporarily debilitates even the toughest individuals with minimal risk of injury. Norris, like every officer certified to carry a Taser on the department, has had to feel the bite of the weapon. Not just once, but twice. Each officer who carries a Taser must go through an 8-hour training course to be certified in the use of the weapon. Norris said participants in the course must demonstrate they know how to use the device, learn tactics, advance through training scenarios and pass a written exam. Officers also have to be exposed to the Taser twice. One time being shot with probes and one "drive stun," where they are not shot, but touched with the probes. Norris said almost every officer on the department is trained and certified to use a Taser, but there are still those who have not taken the training, because they prefer to rely on traditional "pain compliance" tactics to subdue criminals or they just don't what to be shot with a Taser. "Because part of training is that you have to be exposed to it, some officers don't want to do it. And I understand, because it hurts," Norris said. But Norris - who is also trained in martial arts and instructs officers on hand-to-hand defensive tactics, as well as the use asps and mace - said that Tasers are currently the best pain compliance device available for officers. "Before Tasers, if a bad guy failed to comply, officers would use some sort of force to cause pain - pain compliance. Whether it was a baton, their hands, feet or mace, it was based on causing pain, to get them to comply," he said. "The problem is someone under the influence of drugs or mentally ill may not feel pain." But Tasers work on two principles, not just pain compliance, but they also cause muscle contraction. "They stimulate muscles so offenders won't be able to fight, which gives officers time to handcuff the suspect or at least make them think twice about resistance," he said. "That's why Tasers are so popular." There have been concerns about the use of Tasers and the effects they have on the offenders. A 59-year-old Creston man died on Aug. 25, after he was released from the Union County Law Enforcement Center. Ronald Adkisson became combative with emergency personnel after they provided him with assistance for a seizure. Officers employed force, including the use of a Taser, to affect an arrest and remove Adkisson from the store where he suffered the seizure. Adkisson was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct and transferred to the law enforcement center. Creston officers cited Adkisson for disorderly conduct and released him. He was found not breathing on the sidewalk in front of the law enforcement center a short time later and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. However, an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and autopsy results indicated Adkisson's cause of death to be a seizure disorder or epilepsy. There was no indication that the actions of the officers brought on the first apparent seizure or the final seizure. On June 7, a jury in the case of Heston v. City of Salinas (Calif.) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California found in favor of the family of Robert C. Heston in their products liability case against Taser. The jury found that Taser failed to warn of the risks associated with a prolonged deployment and that such failure was a substantial factor in causing police officers to administer a prolonged deployment to Heston, who suffered a cardiac arrest as a result and died a day later. But a new study suggests that serious injuries as a result of Taser use are rare. An emergency medicine researcher at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center published the first large, independent study of injuries from Taser use in January, finding that serious injuries occurred in fewer than 1 percent of 1,201 Taser uses by law enforcement officers. "These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects," said William P. Bozeman, M.D., of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study. "That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt." The study reports that 99.75 percent of criminal suspects shocked by Tasers received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, 83 percent were superficial puncture wounds from the Taser probes. Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third developed rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in 49.5 percent of the cases. Norris said that since the Council Bluffs Police Department began using Tasers in 2004, they have been deployed 271 times and no serious injuries have occurred. Offenders have received scrapes from falling or injuries from striking their head during the fall, but Norris said the city has not had one lawsuit because of the use of a Taser. "Officers are put in a risky situation when they have to fight with a suspect; we're not trained boxers," Norris said. "Since we started using Tasers, we have less an issue of injury to officers and arrestees." While the cost of Tasers is expensive - Norris said to equip one officer with a Taser costs nearly $1,000 and every cartridge fired costs $27 - the money saved in avoiding lawsuits and time off for injured officers more than makes up for the expense. "If we would have used a baton or some other type of force 271 times, surely we would have some lawsuits and injuries to officers and arrestees," Norris said. "I'm not an attorney, but if you strike someone with baton and break a bone, who knows how much the city is going to be sued for. "Tasers have been good for the department and the city."Source: Study finds serious injuries from Taser use rare  Chad Nation, Staff Writer, cnation@nonpareilonline.com 02/15/2009 Source: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20262561&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6 File photo - An officer getting tasered.  There is a reason why plastic caps are sold to cover light sockets that are not in use. Electricity and the human body traditionally don't mix well. Perhaps that is why the use of conducted electrical weapons, more commonly referred to by the brand name Taser, have been so effective in law enforcement. Council Bluffs Police Taser instructor Sgt. Patrick Norris said that is the best way to describe the feeling of being struck by the probes of a Taser - like sticking your finger in a light socket. "It is almost hard to explain," Norris said when asked to describe the sensation. "I felt the pain, but, for me, I felt like I had no control over my body. Once the electricity grabbed hold, I couldn't do anything." Tasers utilize compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to 35 feet at a speed of over 160 feet per second, according to the manufacturer's Web site. An electrical signal is transmitted through insulated wires to where the probes make contact with the body or clothing, resulting in an immediate loss of the person's neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse, yet, allowing an instant recovery once the cycle ceases. Taser calls the effect a Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation technology that temporarily overrides the nervous system, taking over muscular control. This technology temporarily debilitates even the toughest individuals with minimal risk of injury. Norris, like every officer certified to carry a Taser on the department, has had to feel the bite of the weapon. Not just once, but twice. Each officer who carries a Taser must go through an 8-hour training course to be certified in the use of the weapon. Norris said participants in the course must demonstrate they know how to use the device, learn tactics, advance through training scenarios and pass a written exam. Officers also have to be exposed to the Taser twice. One time being shot with probes and one "drive stun," where they are not shot, but touched with the probes. Norris said almost every officer on the department is trained and certified to use a Taser, but there are still those who have not taken the training, because they prefer to rely on traditional "pain compliance" tactics to subdue criminals or they just don't what to be shot with a Taser. "Because part of training is that you have to be exposed to it, some officers don't want to do it. And I understand, because it hurts," Norris said. But Norris - who is also trained in martial arts and instructs officers on hand-to-hand defensive tactics, as well as the use asps and mace - said that Tasers are currently the best pain compliance device available for officers. "Before Tasers, if a bad guy failed to comply, officers would use some sort of force to cause pain - pain compliance. Whether it was a baton, their hands, feet or mace, it was based on causing pain, to get them to comply," he said. "The problem is someone under the influence of drugs or mentally ill may not feel pain." But Tasers work on two principles, not just pain compliance, but they also cause muscle contraction. "They stimulate muscles so offenders won't be able to fight, which gives officers time to handcuff the suspect or at least make them think twice about resistance," he said. "That's why Tasers are so popular." There have been concerns about the use of Tasers and the effects they have on the offenders. A 59-year-old Creston man died on Aug. 25, after he was released from the Union County Law Enforcement Center. Ronald Adkisson became combative with emergency personnel after they provided him with assistance for a seizure. Officers employed force, including the use of a Taser, to affect an arrest and remove Adkisson from the store where he suffered the seizure. Adkisson was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct and transferred to the law enforcement center. Creston officers cited Adkisson for disorderly conduct and released him. He was found not breathing on the sidewalk in front of the law enforcement center a short time later and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. However, an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and autopsy results indicated Adkisson's cause of death to be a seizure disorder or epilepsy. There was no indication that the actions of the officers brought on the first apparent seizure or the final seizure. On June 7, a jury in the case of Heston v. City of Salinas (Calif.) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California found in favor of the family of Robert C. Heston in their products liability case against Taser. The jury found that Taser failed to warn of the risks associated with a prolonged deployment and that such failure was a substantial factor in causing police officers to administer a prolonged deployment to Heston, who suffered a cardiac arrest as a result and died a day later. But a new study suggests that serious injuries as a result of Taser use are rare. An emergency medicine researcher at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center published the first large, independent study of injuries from Taser use in January, finding that serious injuries occurred in fewer than 1 percent of 1,201 Taser uses by law enforcement officers. "These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects," said William P. Bozeman, M.D., of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study. "That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt." The study reports that 99.75 percent of criminal suspects shocked by Tasers received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, 83 percent were superficial puncture wounds from the Taser probes. Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third developed rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in 49.5 percent of the cases. Norris said that since the Council Bluffs Police Department began using Tasers in 2004, they have been deployed 271 times and no serious injuries have occurred. Offenders have received scrapes from falling or injuries from striking their head during the fall, but Norris said the city has not had one lawsuit because of the use of a Taser. "Officers are put in a risky situation when they have to fight with a suspect; we're not trained boxers," Norris said. "Since we started using Tasers, we have less an issue of injury to officers and arrestees." While the cost of Tasers is expensive - Norris said to equip one officer with a Taser costs nearly $1,000 and every cartridge fired costs $27 - the money saved in avoiding lawsuits and time off for injured officers more than makes up for the expense. "If we would have used a baton or some other type of force 271 times, surely we would have some lawsuits and injuries to officers and arrestees," Norris said. "I'm not an attorney, but if you strike someone with baton and break a bone, who knows how much the city is going to be sued for. "Tasers have been good for the department and the city."

61. Medicine Hat Police AB CanadaDeployments 2002-2007 Source: -----Original Message-----From: Joseph West [mailto:joswes@medicinehat.ca] Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 9:38 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: Re: Urgent TASER Request   Medicine Hat Police Service medicine Hat Alberta Canada MHPS 104 Members Pop 60,000   2006 Deployments: 23 Taser Since 2002 No Taser Deployment has resulted in a Criminal Investigation against a member. No Serious Injury or ill effects recorded. No SICD that involved prior use of a Taser.  Source: -----Original Message-----From: Joseph West [mailto:joswes@medicinehat.ca] Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 9:38 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: Re: Urgent TASER Request   Medicine Hat Police Service medicine Hat Alberta Canada MHPS 104 Members Pop 60,000   2006 Deployments: 23 Taser Since 2002 No Taser Deployment has resulted in a Criminal Investigation against a member. No Serious Injury or ill effects recorded. No SICD that involved prior use of a Taser.  

62. Minneapolis Police MNDeployments and Injury Reduction 2001 to 2006 Source: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/13877081.html?pt=y MPD deployed TASER ECDs 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects according to MPD police spokesman Jesse Garcia Approximately a dozen of those hit suffered minor injuries, often from falling down Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since TASER ECDs were introduced in 2001 Garcia called TASER ECDs “an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects” Autopsy inconclusive on Fridley man who died Details remain unclear about what led state troopers to fire a Taser at the motorist involved in freeway crash.   By JIM ADAMS and EMILY JOHNS, Star Tribune Last update: January 18, 2008 - 6:34 AM  A Fridley man who died after being shot with a Taser did not comply with state troopers' requests after he was involved in a rush-hour freeway crash, state authorities said Thursday. But details about what led to the shooting or what caused the death of Mark C. Backlund, 29, were not released. The Anoka County medical examiner did an autopsy Thursday, but that office said the cause and manner of Backlund's death were inconclusive pending further study. Backlund was driving on Interstate 694 to pick up his parents at the airport when he crashed at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in New Brighton. Paramedics said he was breathing when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at a Fridley hospital. No previous heart condition Gordon Backlund said that the family was told his son's heart stopped and that the troopers on the scene gave him CPR. He said his son had no previous heart condition. Backlund's parents say that news media attention over their son's accidental death has stunned them but that they're willing to talk about him so people know who he was. "He was a happy child," said Gordon Backlund, who served in the state Legislature from 1985 to 1986. "He really had a unique ability to make people laugh and smile." Two of the five troopers who were involved had just been hired in December and were riding with other troopers for field experience, according to Department of Public Safety officials. Public Safety officials declined to release basic incident response data requested by the Star Tribune under the state's open records law. State records show Backlund had several misdemeanor driving infractions when he was younger but none since 2000. Those include speeding, and underage drinking and driving. While at Mankato State University in 1998, he was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Asked whether his son had car crashes before, Gordon Backlund replied: "He's had fender-benders; all kids do." The five troopers who responded are on routine administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The agency will not provide details about what happened until the facts are sorted out, said bureau Superintendent Tim O'Malley. He said agents would review all evidence, including any videos recorded by cameras on trooper squad cars or Taser weapons. Troopers Jon Froemke and Brian Helget were riding with veteran troopers during their field training. The patrol identified the veterans as Tim Koehler, a trooper since May 2000; Wade Erickson, a trooper since October 1999, and Troy McCormack, a trooper since June 1994. The State Patrol currently has 93 Tasers, some with attached video cameras, in use throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety said the patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project until August 2007 before adding Tasers to trooper equipment used statewide. During the pilot project, Tasers were displayed 27 times and fired 33 times. No known health-related incidents occurred during the test period, according to an agency news release. The release said before receiving a Taser, troopers must complete a two-day training course. They must also take a one-day recertification course annually. Trooper training standards exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. About 480 police agencies in Minnesota use Tasers, including those in Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud. A few agencies, including the State Patrol, have video cameras attached that activate when the Taser is fired. Generally, a Taser shoots two barbed darts on a wire up to 35 feet long. The darts deliver enough voltage to disable a person for about five seconds. Minneapolis has 235 Tasers. Some have cameras and all have a data storage device that records when the weapon is used, said police spokesman Jesse Garcia. He said police fired Tasers 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects. He said only about a dozen of those shocked suffered minor injuries, often from falling down. Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since Tasers were introduced in 2001. Garcia called Tasers "an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects." 'He was a caretaker' Backlund grew up in Fridley, and graduated from Fridley High School in 1996. The youngest of two children, he was an avid fisherman and golfer. "He was a caretaker," said his sister, Melanie Backlund Moe, 32. "He never wanted to see anyone else hurting." His parents chose not to discuss the circumstances around his death, except to say they were shocked. They haven't considered whether to take legal action, they said. "At this point, it's not an issue," Gordon Backlund said. "We're in the process of grieving. I want to celebrate my son's life." Visitation for Mark Backlund will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE, Fridley. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, preceded by another hour of visitation. Jim Adams • 612-673-7658 or jadams@startribune.com. Emily Johns • 952-882-9056 or ejohns@startribune.com.  Source: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/13877081.html?pt=y MPD deployed TASER ECDs 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects according to MPD police spokesman Jesse Garcia Approximately a dozen of those hit suffered minor injuries, often from falling down Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since TASER ECDs were introduced in 2001 Garcia called TASER ECDs “an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects” Autopsy inconclusive on Fridley man who died Details remain unclear about what led state troopers to fire a Taser at the motorist involved in freeway crash.   By JIM ADAMS and EMILY JOHNS, Star Tribune Last update: January 18, 2008 - 6:34 AM  A Fridley man who died after being shot with a Taser did not comply with state troopers' requests after he was involved in a rush-hour freeway crash, state authorities said Thursday. But details about what led to the shooting or what caused the death of Mark C. Backlund, 29, were not released. The Anoka County medical examiner did an autopsy Thursday, but that office said the cause and manner of Backlund's death were inconclusive pending further study. Backlund was driving on Interstate 694 to pick up his parents at the airport when he crashed at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in New Brighton. Paramedics said he was breathing when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at a Fridley hospital. No previous heart condition Gordon Backlund said that the family was told his son's heart stopped and that the troopers on the scene gave him CPR. He said his son had no previous heart condition. Backlund's parents say that news media attention over their son's accidental death has stunned them but that they're willing to talk about him so people know who he was. "He was a happy child," said Gordon Backlund, who served in the state Legislature from 1985 to 1986. "He really had a unique ability to make people laugh and smile." Two of the five troopers who were involved had just been hired in December and were riding with other troopers for field experience, according to Department of Public Safety officials. Public Safety officials declined to release basic incident response data requested by the Star Tribune under the state's open records law. State records show Backlund had several misdemeanor driving infractions when he was younger but none since 2000. Those include speeding, and underage drinking and driving. While at Mankato State University in 1998, he was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Asked whether his son had car crashes before, Gordon Backlund replied: "He's had fender-benders; all kids do." The five troopers who responded are on routine administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The agency will not provide details about what happened until the facts are sorted out, said bureau Superintendent Tim O'Malley. He said agents would review all evidence, including any videos recorded by cameras on trooper squad cars or Taser weapons. Troopers Jon Froemke and Brian Helget were riding with veteran troopers during their field training. The patrol identified the veterans as Tim Koehler, a trooper since May 2000; Wade Erickson, a trooper since October 1999, and Troy McCormack, a trooper since June 1994. The State Patrol currently has 93 Tasers, some with attached video cameras, in use throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety said the patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project until August 2007 before adding Tasers to trooper equipment used statewide. During the pilot project, Tasers were displayed 27 times and fired 33 times. No known health-related incidents occurred during the test period, according to an agency news release. The release said before receiving a Taser, troopers must complete a two-day training course. They must also take a one-day recertification course annually. Trooper training standards exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. About 480 police agencies in Minnesota use Tasers, including those in Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud. A few agencies, including the State Patrol, have video cameras attached that activate when the Taser is fired. Generally, a Taser shoots two barbed darts on a wire up to 35 feet long. The darts deliver enough voltage to disable a person for about five seconds. Minneapolis has 235 Tasers. Some have cameras and all have a data storage device that records when the weapon is used, said police spokesman Jesse Garcia. He said police fired Tasers 232 times in 2006, with no serious effects. He said only about a dozen of those shocked suffered minor injuries, often from falling down. Garcia said officer injuries are down 75 percent since Tasers were introduced in 2001. Garcia called Tasers "an invaluable, necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under control with less injury to both officers and suspects." 'He was a caretaker' Backlund grew up in Fridley, and graduated from Fridley High School in 1996. The youngest of two children, he was an avid fisherman and golfer. "He was a caretaker," said his sister, Melanie Backlund Moe, 32. "He never wanted to see anyone else hurting." His parents chose not to discuss the circumstances around his death, except to say they were shocked. They haven't considered whether to take legal action, they said. "At this point, it's not an issue," Gordon Backlund said. "We're in the process of grieving. I want to celebrate my son's life." Visitation for Mark Backlund will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE, Fridley. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, preceded by another hour of visitation. Jim Adams • 612-673-7658 or jadams@startribune.com. Emily Johns • 952-882-9056 or ejohns@startribune.com.  

63. San Jose PD CA Source: San Jose Police Department 2006 Year End SummarySource: San Jose Police Department 2006 Year End Summary

64. San Jose, CA PD Source: San Jose Police Department 2006 Year End SummarySource: San Jose Police Department 2006 Year End Summary

65. Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH2007 Field Results Source: TASER 2007 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 11, 2008.Source: TASER 2007 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 11, 2008.

66. Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH2008 Field Results Source: TASER 2008 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 30, 2009.Source: TASER 2008 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 30, 2009.

67. Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH2007 and 2008 Field Results Source: TASER 2007 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 11, 2008. Source: TASER 2007 Use Memo from Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Warner to Franklin County Sheriff’ James Cairn dated January 11, 2008.

68. Syracuse Police Dept NYMay 2005 - May 2007 Field Results Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182. Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182.

69. Syracuse Police Dept NYMay 2005 - May 2007 Field Results Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182. Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182.

70. Syracuse Police Dept NYMay 2005 - May 2007 Field Results Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182. Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-4/120505303288220.xml&coll=1 Why city police use Tasers They say it's the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injuring anybody. Critics counter that the devices can be deadly.  Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Updated: March 11th, 2008 11:02 AM PDT By Robert A. Baker The Post-Standard Bobby Coward, a man wanted on bank robbery and attempted murder charges, smoked crack in his second-story motel room Sept. 11, 2005. More than 10 Syracuse police officers and detectives surrounded his room in the Motel 6 on Carrier Circle and made contact through the locked door. Coward, 6 foot 3 inches and 240 pounds, opted for going out a window instead of going into custody. As Coward eased his leg through the window, Officer Thomas Derby, who was watching from outside, fired a Taser from 15 feet and hit Coward in the leg. As 50,000 volts surged into Coward's body, he lost control of his muscles. Coward fell back into the motel room. Derby lost sight of Coward, but kept sending electricity through the Taser in hopes he could keep Coward immobilized. Derby estimated he 8 shocked Coward about seven times. When Derby stopped, Coward recovered enough to remove the barbed probes. “You shocked me!” Coward yelled. “Don't shock me again! “I'm coming out, just don't shock me again. Just don't shock me again.” Derby kept the Taser's red laser dot on Coward as Derby and the other officers watched through the motel window. Coward smoked up his crack cocaine. He opened the door and gave up peacefully. Coward was wanted in two stabbings and had little to lose in resisting the police, said First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan. Heenan and Taser officials say a Taser is the safest way to gain control of a violent suspect without injury to the officer, the suspect or bystanders. Amnesty International, however, says the devices can be deadly. Taser safety became a public issue locally when a man died last week shortly after being stunned by a Clay police officer. A Post-Standard review of the first two years of Taser use by the Syracuse Police Department shows that more than half of those involved with an officer who drew his Taser were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or were suicidal. About one-quarter of the confrontations ended at just the sight of a Taser in an officer's hand.   First fatality Monday, a 37-year-old man died after a Taser was used on him during a confrontation at Norstar Apartments, in Clay. Police said Christopher H. Jackson was conscious and breathing after he was hit by the Taser but was unresponsive to officers' questions. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while he was being treated by paramedics and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Jackson became Central New York's first Taser-related fatality. Since June 2001, there have been more than 290 Taser-related deaths in the United States, said Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast regional director of Amnesty International. Those who died appear to have had an underlying medical problem, possibly unknown to the suspect and certainly unknown to the officer, Rubenstein said. Taser International disputes those numbers. Amnesty International compiles lists of those who die in Taser-related incidents but does not take those people off the list when a medical examiner or coroner determines the Taser did not contribute to the death, Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle said. In fewer than 30 incidents has a Taser been listed as a contributing factor by a medical examiner, Tuttle said.   181 incidents in Syracuse In Syracuse, one injury to a suspect was reported during the first two years since city police began carrying them in mid-May 2005. During that time, police drew their Tasers in 181 confrontations. They were first used on suspects May 15, 2005, on a 30-year-old black man and a 15-year-old white teenager in separate incidents. From May 2005 to May 2007, 76 people were shot with probes. Forty-seven were “drive stunned,” meaning the Taser probes were placed against the skin. In those cases, the electricity is used to shock without firing probes from the gun. Eight people were both shot with probes and drive stunned. Suspects involved in Taser confrontations were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17). Tasers were used with blacks more than whites or Hispanics (97 blacks, 71 whites, six Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six listed without race.) At least five dogs were stunned. Just training the red laser sight on a suspect resulted in 41 people giving up. By making the probes arc with electricity in a show of force, police prompted four more to surrender. Almost half of those who faced a Taser were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, records indicate. In the first full year of Taser use, 65.7 percent of incidents in which Tasers were used involved suicidal individuals, violent suspects or civil disturbances.   Police praise them Heenan considers Tasers the best thing to happen to law enforcement since the two-way radio. Injuries to his officers have gone down since Tasers were introduced, as have complaints against police and the number of suspects who resisted arrest, Heenan said. Syracuse police are authorized to use a Taser anytime a suspect puts anyone at risk of physical injury. Before Tasers, officers would use defensive tactics strikes, kicks, batons or pepper spray against resisting suspects. “It's not uncommon for both suspects and police officers to suffer injuries when using baton and defensive tactics,” Heenan said. The one Taser-related injury reported by Syracuse police came Jan. 30, 2007. Isiah Wright, 26, tried to deflect the barbs with one hand as officers arrested him on warrants for burglary and leaving the scene of an accident. One probe hit Wright in the chest, the other skewered one of his fingers. He then apologized and complied, police records say. Wright was taken to the hospital for stitches to his finger. He is a state prison inmate. At least four other people apologized after Tasers were used on them, reports note. One man thanked the police for using one on him in May 2007. “Suspect stated that he would not want to ever experience being Tasered again,” reads another report on a 17-year-old who endured one cycle. Another person asked officers to shoot him rather than use the Taser on him. The word is out about what Tasers do, so officers need merely to unholster a Taser to get compliance, Heenan said. Compliance at the point of a Taser is troubling to Amnesty International. “First it was supposed to be an alternative to a lethal force. Now it's being used because someone doesn't follow an officer's instructions quickly enough,” Rubenstein said.   The trend grows More police agencies are using the devices in Central New York. Syracuse Police deployed eight Tasers in May 2005; the department now has 31. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office acquired 135 Tasers, which were deployed this year. The office says that eventually 230 will be deployed. And it's not just the big departments. Chittenango police (six officers) have three. The security detail at Cayuga Community College (one full-time officer at each of two campuses and 25 part-time officers) has two Tasers, according to Taser International. Cayuga Community College hasn't issued the weapon yet, pending training, a college spokeswoman said. Police departments train their own officers in Taser use, said Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International. Training officers take a two-day, 16-hour course taught by Taser International, he said. In Syracuse, officers must take an eight-hour training session and an eight-hour recertification course every two years.   Preferable to firearms A day after Syracuse police used a Taser to take Bobby Coward into custody, a 25-year-old man met police coming to the scene of an outdoor fire off Bridget Circle. Shannon St. Louis stood just inside a group of trees and warned officers, “If you come in here, someone's going to die.” St. Louis struck three Syracuse police officers with a metal pipe in the ensuing melee. Two were hit on the head and one on the leg. The attack ended when a sergeant arrived and fired a Taser from about 3 feet into St. Louis' back. Before Tasers, the sergeant would have had to choose between taking the pipe by physical force or with a firearm. “That one we look at as a very big success,” Heenan said. “We took him into custody by use of a Taser rather than by a higher level of force.” Robert A. Baker can be reached at bbaker@syracuse.com or at 470-2182.

71. Seattle PD WA Field ResultsData as of December 2008 Source: From January 2001 through December 2008, tasers were used in 1,488 incidents, averaging 16 incidents per month. • About 45% of taser incidents occurred between 4 p.m. and midnight; 34% between midnight and 8 a.m.; and the balance (21%) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. • In 63% of taser incidents, the taser officer was among the first responding officers to the scene; in a backup unit in 33% of the incidents and specifically called to the scene in 4%. • Tasers have been used in a wide variety of incidents. Fights and disturbances comprise 23% of the situations in which tasers have been used, followed most closely by drug/alcohol incidents (15%), violent crimes (16%) and mental/suicide calls (11%). • The Department tracks the mode of taser use. Tasers have been applied in the probe mode 58% of the time, in the touch mode in 34% of incidents, and in both modes 18% of the time. • Taser subjects are most often males (93%) and fall across a wide age spectrum. 63% are thirty five years of age or younger. The largest age group is 21-25 years old. The racial breakdown of taser subjects is 46% African American and 41% Caucasian. • Nearly three fourths of taser subjects (73%) confronting officers have been impaired, often severely, by alcohol, drugs, or a mental illness or delusion. (This has climbed from 60% in 2001.) • One-fifth of taser subjects have been armed. Among armed subjects, 43% have had knives, 16% have had guns, and 41% have had other weapons, (including scissors, hatchets, broken bottles, shovels, stakes, and hypodermic needles.) • Most of the armed taser subjects (76%) have also been impaired, usually by mental illness (42% of those impaired and armed), alcohol (28%), or drugs (24%). The proportion of armed and impaired subjects has grown steadily since 2001 when 62% of taser subjects were armed and impaired. • Verified taser contact was obtained in 77% of the incidents. Where there was verified contact, the taser delivered a disabling or partially disabling effect 95% of the time. This has remained stable over time. • In 79% of all incidents and in 87% of the incidents where contact was verified, the taser was credited with controlling the subject or bringing the situation to a resolution. • Subject injuries are relatively low in taser deployments when compared with other use of force situations. Subjects sustained no injuries, injuries prior to police arrival, or only self-inflicted injuries in 38% of taser incidents. In another 41% of taser incidents, the only injuries were probe/stun abrasions from the device itself. • There were no injuries to officers in 84% of the taser incidents (this finding has been stable). Most officer injuries (74%) occurred before the taser was deployed. In police encounters with violent and mentally ill subjects (often subjects in taser incidents), as many as 40% of the officers and the subjects may sustain injuries, according to national studies. SEATTLE POLICE DEPT TASER USE UPDATE April 2009 Seattle Police Department 610 Fifth Avenue P.O. Box 34986 Seattle, WA 98124-4986 www.seattle.gov/police The Seattle Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency and meets the high standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.Source: From January 2001 through December 2008, tasers were used in 1,488 incidents, averaging 16 incidents per month. • About 45% of taser incidents occurred between 4 p.m. and midnight; 34% between midnight and 8 a.m.; and the balance (21%) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. • In 63% of taser incidents, the taser officer was among the first responding officers to the scene; in a backup unit in 33% of the incidents and specifically called to the scene in 4%. • Tasers have been used in a wide variety of incidents. Fights and disturbances comprise 23% of the situations in which tasers have been used, followed most closely by drug/alcohol incidents (15%), violent crimes (16%) and mental/suicide calls (11%). • The Department tracks the mode of taser use. Tasers have been applied in the probe mode 58% of the time, in the touch mode in 34% of incidents, and in both modes 18% of the time. • Taser subjects are most often males (93%) and fall across a wide age spectrum. 63% are thirty five years of age or younger. The largest age group is 21-25 years old. The racial breakdown of taser subjects is 46% African American and 41% Caucasian. • Nearly three fourths of taser subjects (73%) confronting officers have been impaired, often severely, by alcohol, drugs, or a mental illness or delusion. (This has climbed from 60% in 2001.) • One-fifth of taser subjects have been armed. Among armed subjects, 43% have had knives, 16% have had guns, and 41% have had other weapons, (including scissors, hatchets, broken bottles, shovels, stakes, and hypodermic needles.) • Most of the armed taser subjects (76%) have also been impaired, usually by mental illness (42% of those impaired and armed), alcohol (28%), or drugs (24%). The proportion of armed and impaired subjects has grown steadily since 2001 when 62% of taser subjects were armed and impaired. • Verified taser contact was obtained in 77% of the incidents. Where there was verified contact, the taser delivered a disabling or partially disabling effect 95% of the time. This has remained stable over time. • In 79% of all incidents and in 87% of the incidents where contact was verified, the taser was credited with controlling the subject or bringing the situation to a resolution. • Subject injuries are relatively low in taser deployments when compared with other use of force situations. Subjects sustained no injuries, injuries prior to police arrival, or only self-inflicted injuries in 38% of taser incidents. In another 41% of taser incidents, the only injuries were probe/stun abrasions from the device itself. • There were no injuries to officers in 84% of the taser incidents (this finding has been stable). Most officer injuries (74%) occurred before the taser was deployed. In police encounters with violent and mentally ill subjects (often subjects in taser incidents), as many as 40% of the officers and the subjects may sustain injuries, according to national studies. SEATTLE POLICE DEPT TASER USE UPDATE April 2009 Seattle Police Department 610 Fifth Avenue P.O. Box 34986 Seattle, WA 98124-4986 www.seattle.gov/police The Seattle Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency and meets the high standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

72. Seattle PD WA Field ResultsData as of December 2008 Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

73. Seattle PD WA Field ResultsData as of December 2008 Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

74. Seattle PD WA Field ResultsData as of December 2008 Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

75. Seattle PD WA Field Results Data as of December 2008 Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

76. Seattle PD WA Field Results Data as of December 2008 Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

77. Seattle PD WA Field Results Data as of December 2008 Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009Source: Seattle Police Department TASER Use Update April 2009

78. Green Bay WI PD Field Results 18 Month Review Dated February 2006 Source: TASER Report, by Lieutenant Michael R. Knetzger & Lisa A. Knetzger, February 2006Source: TASER Report, by Lieutenant Michael R. Knetzger & Lisa A. Knetzger, February 2006

79. Madison PD WI Field Results From the actual Madison Report as quoted: “MPD’s deployment of the TASER has reduced injuries to officers and suspects resulting” from use-of-force encounters. “MPD’s deployment of the TASER has reduced MPD officers’ utilization of deadly force.” “The TASER has proven to be a safe and effective use-of-force tool.” “MPD officers are deploying the TASER in an appropriate manner.” Citizen complaints concerning TASER ECDs: 0 Avoidance of lethal force by deploying TASER ECDs: 6 From the actual Madison Report as quoted: “MPD’s deployment of the TASER has reduced injuries to officers and suspects resulting” from use-of-force encounters. “MPD’s deployment of the TASER has reduced MPD officers’ utilization of deadly force.” “The TASER has proven to be a safe and effective use-of-force tool.” “MPD officers are deploying the TASER in an appropriate manner.” Citizen complaints concerning TASER ECDs: 0 Avoidance of lethal force by deploying TASER ECDs: 6

80. Boise Police Dept ID Field Results OMBUDSMAN’S SPECIAL REPORT Taser Use by the Boise Police Department Issued June 6, 2006 by Pierce Murphy Community Ombudsman TASER USE IN BOISE In the period studied (July 2002 through December 2004), BPD officers used their Tasers a total of 120 times. None of the subjects involved died as a result of, or in connection with the use of Tasers. With one exception, the only injuries experienced by those on whom Tasers were used had to do with small puncture wounds from the barbs or surface burns associated with contact with the electrical current. The one exception was a cervical fracture suffered by a suspect scaling a fence while fleeing from the police. This person fell from the fence when the Taser was activated. Following this incident, BPD immediately reviewed their Taser training and reinforced the message that officers should avoid Taser use on persons on elevated surfaces. The primary conclusion I draw from the history of Taser use in Boise is that BPD implemented Tasers appropriately from the beginning. They adopted a clear and moderately restrictive policy and gave officers adequate training before issuing Tasers. Many of the bestOMBUDSMAN’S SPECIAL REPORT Taser Use by the Boise Police Department Issued June 6, 2006 by Pierce Murphy Community Ombudsman TASER USE IN BOISE In the period studied (July 2002 through December 2004), BPD officers used their Tasers a total of 120 times. None of the subjects involved died as a result of, or in connection with the use of Tasers. With one exception, the only injuries experienced by those on whom Tasers were used had to do with small puncture wounds from the barbs or surface burns associated with contact with the electrical current. The one exception was a cervical fracture suffered by a suspect scaling a fence while fleeing from the police. This person fell from the fence when the Taser was activated. Following this incident, BPD immediately reviewed their Taser training and reinforced the message that officers should avoid Taser use on persons on elevated surfaces. The primary conclusion I draw from the history of Taser use in Boise is that BPD implemented Tasers appropriately from the beginning. They adopted a clear and moderately restrictive policy and gave officers adequate training before issuing Tasers. Many of the best

81. Boise Police Dept IDRecommendations OMBUDSMAN’S SPECIAL REPORT Taser Use by the Boise Police Department Issued June 6, 2006 By Pierce Murphy Community Ombudsman Requirement to Carry a Taser Current BPD policy does not mandate that officers who are issued a Taser and certified in its use must carry it on their person while on duty in uniform. However, current BPD policy does require officers to carry a firearm and pepper spray. Given that Tasers are, under certain circumstances, a less-lethal alternative to firearms and a safer alternative to pepper spray, they should be immediately available to all officers to whom they have been issued. When an officer is in the middle of a dynamic and unfolding incident he or she should have the Taser option immediately available. Carrying a Taser must be as important as carrying a firearm or pepper spray. I recommend that the following language be added to § 1.02.03A of BPD’s revised Taser policy: An officer who is currently certified in Taser use and to whom the department has issued a Taser, must carry the Taser on his or her person at all times when in uniform and on-duty.OMBUDSMAN’S SPECIAL REPORT Taser Use by the Boise Police Department Issued June 6, 2006 By Pierce Murphy Community Ombudsman Requirement to Carry a Taser Current BPD policy does not mandate that officers who are issued a Taser and certified in its use must carry it on their person while on duty in uniform. However, current BPD policy does require officers to carry a firearm and pepper spray. Given that Tasers are, under certain circumstances, a less-lethal alternative to firearms and a safer alternative to pepper spray, they should be immediately available to all officers to whom they have been issued. When an officer is in the middle of a dynamic and unfolding incident he or she should have the Taser option immediately available. Carrying a Taser must be as important as carrying a firearm or pepper spray. I recommend that the following language be added to § 1.02.03A of BPD’s revised Taser policy: An officer who is currently certified in Taser use and to whom the department has issued a Taser, must carry the Taser on his or her person at all times when in uniform and on-duty.

82. Knoxville Police Dept TN Field Results of Number of TASER ECD Deployments Year by Year KPD TASER USE, BY YEAR 1998: 2 1999: 0 2000: 3 2001: 1 2002: 3 2003: 2 2004: 2 2005: 39 2006: 79 Jan. 1-April 29, 2007: 30 Source: Knoxville Police Department AND http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/dec/04/police-defend-use-of-tasers/ Police defend use of Tasers Use has skyrocketed since being issued to patrol officers in 2005 By J.J. Stambaugh (Contact)Tuesday, December 4, 2007 Despite numerous deaths across the country that critics have suggested might be related to the use of police Tasers - and the death of a man this year in Knoxville who was shocked moments before dying - local law enforcement officials maintain that the devices have proven their worth in the field. They also plan to increase the number of officers armed with them. While local authorities don't claim that Tasers pose absolutely no health risks, they stress that they give officers a less dangerous alternative to guns and nightsticks. Knoxville Police Department Chief Sterling Owen IV, who ordered that Tasers be issued to all patrol officers two years ago, said he remains comfortable with his decision to authorize their widespread deployment and use. "This year alone, we've seen a decrease in officers having to draw their weapons in very serious events, and perhaps they were able to use their Taser instead," Owen said. "Anytime we can reduce the chance of having to shoot someone, I'm in favor of it." Tasers were only one of several "less lethal" weapons that KPD began adopting in 1998 after community uproar over the deaths of four men, three of them black, in confrontations with police over a seven-month period. At first, the devices were used only by the department's Special Operations Squad, but they started being carried by supervisors in 2000 and finally were distributed to patrol officers in 2005. According to KPD statistics, Taser use has skyrocketed since they were issued to patrol officers. Tasers were only used 13 times between 1998 and 2004, but in 2005, they were used 39 times and in 2006, 79 times. KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk said the statistics shouldn't be interpreted as meaning that officers have gone "Taser crazy." Before all patrol officers were issued Tasers, he said, there were only "five or six" on the streets at any one time, but there are now close to 200, which accounts for the increase in Taser use. The Knox County Sheriff's Office also is planning to issue Tasers to all of its officers but hasn't yet been able to get its patrol division armed because of budgetary reasons. As of last month, 88 Tasers were deployed to various Sheriff's Office employees assigned to the jail, courthouse and other divisions, as well as to at least two officers on each patrol shift, according to Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Martha Dooley. The agency has 185 more of the devices on order, however, and training classes are set to begin in January. The Sheriff's Office doesn't keep track of how many times Tasers are used by its officers, Dooley said. Tasers can be used to subdue armed or violent suspects who can't be safely brought under control by other means, but KPD's use-of-force policy doesn't require that they only be used to subdue someone who is posing an imminent danger. Tasers, for instance, may be used anytime when pepper spray might be used or whenever a suspect is actively resisting officers. On at least one occasion, officials say, they've clearly saved a life. Suicidal confrontations On Sept. 28, 2005, KPD officer Shane Watson pulled over a Jeep on Magnolia Avenue driven by a woman who appeared to be intoxicated. She had a male passenger in the vehicle whom she'd just picked up at a bar, and while Officer Shawn Neal and a trainee conducted a field sobriety test, Watson went to the passenger's side door to keep an eye on the man. Watson noticed the man had a knife in his hand, and when Watson ordered him to drop the weapon, the man began sawing at his own throat. "It kind of startled me," Watson said while recalling the incident. As the man kept cutting into his neck, Neal broke out the window and Watson shocked the man repeatedly with his Taser. Multiple shocks were used because the man kept refusing to put down the knife or stop slicing at his throat. "The whole time, he was cutting," Watson said. Even after the knife was taken out of his hand, the man kept reaching up to his throat and trying to pull out his esophagus, Neal said. The man eventually was loaded into an ambulance and hospitalized. A few days later, as he was being taken to a mental health facility, he ripped out the stitches from his throat and had to be operated on again, Neal said. Although the officers never found out what was going through the man's mind, they feel confident that they saved his life that night and quite possibly the woman's, as well. "This individual was very intent on hurting himself," Neal said. "That wasn't attention-getting." The incident also demonstrated how useful a Taser can be, he said, because the two officers would have otherwise been forced to struggle with a knife-wielding suspect and might even have used their firearms, which would have defeated the purpose of trying to save a suicidal person's life. "I can't imagine what it would be like to be a police officer with only a firearm and a nightstick," Neal said. "The more tools you have in the box, the better prepared you are." The use of a Taser in disarming the suicidal man happened in 2005. In 1997, police killed Juan L. Daniels, who threatened suicide with a hunting knife for an estimated 80 minutes before KPD officers shot him. The officers were cleared of wrongdoing, but Daniels' death was one of the incidents that led to heated criticisms of KPD and the introduction of Tasers a decade ago. When asked if Tasers might have made a difference in the Daniels case, Owen pointed out that he wasn't police chief at the time and said he wasn't intimately familiar with the facts of the case. "I'm really not even comfortable answering that question because we're talking about a hypothetical," Owen said. "I don't think it's really appropriate to venture a guess on that." Daniels' relatives couldn't be reached for comment. How lethal are Tasers? About six months ago, a 39-year-old man died at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Cherry Street after he was shocked by a Taser during a violent confrontation with two KPD officers. Although authorities have concluded that Kevin DeWayne Hill died from "cocaine-induced excited delirium" rather than from his contact with the Taser, his family has indicated that they might file a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. It's not clear how many people have died in the United States after police shocked them, but several groups have been alarmed by what seems to be a growing number of deaths. Amnesty International USA, for instance, counted 250 cases in which people died after being stunned with a Taser, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California says that at least 148 died between 1999 and 2005. Claims that Tasers might have contributed to some deaths have been hotly contested by their manufacturer, Taser International Inc., and have sparked round after round of studies that don't seem to have brought the debate any nearer to closure. Tasers have been officially listed as a contributing factor in about 12 deaths nationwide, said Steve Tuttle, a spokesman for the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company, and the company has won all 45 lawsuits in which it has been a defendant, according to The Associated Press. Critics don't necessarily argue that Tasers should never be used. Instead, they believe the policies in place at many departments are too lax by treating them as nonlethal weapons that may be used even when a suspect isn't posing an immediate threat to anyone's life. Pierce Murphy, president of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, said the number of people who have died after being shocked should cause officials to think twice before treating them as they do pepper spray. "While Tasers are not designed to kill people or inflict great bodily harm, it appears from usages around the country that in certain instances, in certain circumstances with certain populations, they can result in great bodily harm or death, and I personally think they should be treated as such," Murphy said. "Tasers have been justified to the public and to the elected officials who agree to pay for them as an alternative to deadly force. That's pretty much what people assume, what mayors and city councils have understood. ... But Tasers are not being used as an alternative to deadly force, they're being used as a substitute for hands-on contact by officers or using a baton or pepper spray." The Rev. Ezra Maize, president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, echoed some of Murphy's concerns but stressed that he doesn't want to discourage KPD officers from doing their jobs, referring to the men and women who patrol Knoxville's streets as "kind." "My personal belief is they'll use a Taser when they're not always under extreme circumstances," he said. To Maize, however, Tasers should be viewed as potentially dangerous devices similar to firearms. Even if they don't kill, he said, the pain they inflict can be traumatic. "If someone uses one on me, it's not something I'm going to ... forget about tomorrow," he said. KPD Sgt. Keith DeBow, who supervises the agency's Taser training, said many people misunderstand how much electricity a Taser shock actually delivers. The Taser X-26 model used by KPD - which costs $799 a unit - often is described as delivering a 50,000-volt jolt, but that description is somewhat deceptive, he said. "It's a 50,000-volt Taser, but that's what it takes to move the current two inches," he said. "Humans are actually hit with about 1,200 volts, according to the manufacturer." Tasers work by using pulses of electricity that are similar to the brain's electrical signals and can be deployed in two ways, DeBow explained. When Taser darts are fired at a suspect and the weapon is activated, the surge of electrical current causes "neuromuscular incapacitation," which means the person will likely lose control of his or her own movements and collapse. "One of the biggest concerns with safety isn't the Taser itself, it's the suspect falling down," he said. A second way Tasers may be used is for the officer to not fire the darts, but instead touch a suspect with the device, causing intense pain that ideally will make them comply with officers' orders, he said. KPD's policy is to always call an ambulance whenever a Taser is used, he said, a requirement that not all departments have. Some agencies, for instance, only require medical assistance when a suspect is hit with a dart, but KPD mandates that anyone shocked receive prompt medical treatment. "Any time an officer has to use force to overcome resistance, there is always a risk of injury to a suspect," DeBow said. "We attempt through training and the use of less-lethal weapons to keep that to a minimum." Carol Scott, longtime executive director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee, said she appreciates the controversies over Taser use but has come to believe that they are a good thing for police officers to have. "I'm okay with Tasers," she said. "I know there are a lot of pros and cons, but at this point, I'd rather you pull your Taser than a gun." The Associated Press contributed to this report. J.J. Stambaugh may be reached at 865-342-6307. KPD TASER USE, BY YEAR 1998: 2 1999: 0 2000: 3 2001: 1 2002: 3 2003: 2 2004: 2 2005: 39 2006: 79 Jan. 1-April 29, 2007: 30 Source: Knoxville Police Department AND http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/dec/04/police-defend-use-of-tasers/ Police defend use of Tasers Use has skyrocketed since being issued to patrol officers in 2005 By J.J. Stambaugh (Contact)Tuesday, December 4, 2007 Despite numerous deaths across the country that critics have suggested might be related to the use of police Tasers - and the death of a man this year in Knoxville who was shocked moments before dying - local law enforcement officials maintain that the devices have proven their worth in the field. They also plan to increase the number of officers armed with them. While local authorities don't claim that Tasers pose absolutely no health risks, they stress that they give officers a less dangerous alternative to guns and nightsticks. Knoxville Police Department Chief Sterling Owen IV, who ordered that Tasers be issued to all patrol officers two years ago, said he remains comfortable with his decision to authorize their widespread deployment and use. "This year alone, we've seen a decrease in officers having to draw their weapons in very serious events, and perhaps they were able to use their Taser instead," Owen said. "Anytime we can reduce the chance of having to shoot someone, I'm in favor of it." Tasers were only one of several "less lethal" weapons that KPD began adopting in 1998 after community uproar over the deaths of four men, three of them black, in confrontations with police over a seven-month period. At first, the devices were used only by the department's Special Operations Squad, but they started being carried by supervisors in 2000 and finally were distributed to patrol officers in 2005. According to KPD statistics, Taser use has skyrocketed since they were issued to patrol officers. Tasers were only used 13 times between 1998 and 2004, but in 2005, they were used 39 times and in 2006, 79 times. KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk said the statistics shouldn't be interpreted as meaning that officers have gone "Taser crazy." Before all patrol officers were issued Tasers, he said, there were only "five or six" on the streets at any one time, but there are now close to 200, which accounts for the increase in Taser use. The Knox County Sheriff's Office also is planning to issue Tasers to all of its officers but hasn't yet been able to get its patrol division armed because of budgetary reasons. As of last month, 88 Tasers were deployed to various Sheriff's Office employees assigned to the jail, courthouse and other divisions, as well as to at least two officers on each patrol shift, according to Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Martha Dooley. The agency has 185 more of the devices on order, however, and training classes are set to begin in January. The Sheriff's Office doesn't keep track of how many times Tasers are used by its officers, Dooley said. Tasers can be used to subdue armed or violent suspects who can't be safely brought under control by other means, but KPD's use-of-force policy doesn't require that they only be used to subdue someone who is posing an imminent danger. Tasers, for instance, may be used anytime when pepper spray might be used or whenever a suspect is actively resisting officers. On at least one occasion, officials say, they've clearly saved a life. Suicidal confrontations On Sept. 28, 2005, KPD officer Shane Watson pulled over a Jeep on Magnolia Avenue driven by a woman who appeared to be intoxicated. She had a male passenger in the vehicle whom she'd just picked up at a bar, and while Officer Shawn Neal and a trainee conducted a field sobriety test, Watson went to the passenger's side door to keep an eye on the man. Watson noticed the man had a knife in his hand, and when Watson ordered him to drop the weapon, the man began sawing at his own throat. "It kind of startled me," Watson said while recalling the incident. As the man kept cutting into his neck, Neal broke out the window and Watson shocked the man repeatedly with his Taser. Multiple shocks were used because the man kept refusing to put down the knife or stop slicing at his throat. "The whole time, he was cutting," Watson said. Even after the knife was taken out of his hand, the man kept reaching up to his throat and trying to pull out his esophagus, Neal said. The man eventually was loaded into an ambulance and hospitalized. A few days later, as he was being taken to a mental health facility, he ripped out the stitches from his throat and had to be operated on again, Neal said. Although the officers never found out what was going through the man's mind, they feel confident that they saved his life that night and quite possibly the woman's, as well. "This individual was very intent on hurting himself," Neal said. "That wasn't attention-getting." The incident also demonstrated how useful a Taser can be, he said, because the two officers would have otherwise been forced to struggle with a knife-wielding suspect and might even have used their firearms, which would have defeated the purpose of trying to save a suicidal person's life. "I can't imagine what it would be like to be a police officer with only a firearm and a nightstick," Neal said. "The more tools you have in the box, the better prepared you are." The use of a Taser in disarming the suicidal man happened in 2005. In 1997, police killed Juan L. Daniels, who threatened suicide with a hunting knife for an estimated 80 minutes before KPD officers shot him. The officers were cleared of wrongdoing, but Daniels' death was one of the incidents that led to heated criticisms of KPD and the introduction of Tasers a decade ago. When asked if Tasers might have made a difference in the Daniels case, Owen pointed out that he wasn't police chief at the time and said he wasn't intimately familiar with the facts of the case. "I'm really not even comfortable answering that question because we're talking about a hypothetical," Owen said. "I don't think it's really appropriate to venture a guess on that." Daniels' relatives couldn't be reached for comment. How lethal are Tasers? About six months ago, a 39-year-old man died at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Cherry Street after he was shocked by a Taser during a violent confrontation with two KPD officers. Although authorities have concluded that Kevin DeWayne Hill died from "cocaine-induced excited delirium" rather than from his contact with the Taser, his family has indicated that they might file a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. It's not clear how many people have died in the United States after police shocked them, but several groups have been alarmed by what seems to be a growing number of deaths. Amnesty International USA, for instance, counted 250 cases in which people died after being stunned with a Taser, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California says that at least 148 died between 1999 and 2005. Claims that Tasers might have contributed to some deaths have been hotly contested by their manufacturer, Taser International Inc., and have sparked round after round of studies that don't seem to have brought the debate any nearer to closure. Tasers have been officially listed as a contributing factor in about 12 deaths nationwide, said Steve Tuttle, a spokesman for the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company, and the company has won all 45 lawsuits in which it has been a defendant, according to The Associated Press. Critics don't necessarily argue that Tasers should never be used. Instead, they believe the policies in place at many departments are too lax by treating them as nonlethal weapons that may be used even when a suspect isn't posing an immediate threat to anyone's life. Pierce Murphy, president of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, said the number of people who have died after being shocked should cause officials to think twice before treating them as they do pepper spray. "While Tasers are not designed to kill people or inflict great bodily harm, it appears from usages around the country that in certain instances, in certain circumstances with certain populations, they can result in great bodily harm or death, and I personally think they should be treated as such," Murphy said. "Tasers have been justified to the public and to the elected officials who agree to pay for them as an alternative to deadly force. That's pretty much what people assume, what mayors and city councils have understood. ... But Tasers are not being used as an alternative to deadly force, they're being used as a substitute for hands-on contact by officers or using a baton or pepper spray." The Rev. Ezra Maize, president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, echoed some of Murphy's concerns but stressed that he doesn't want to discourage KPD officers from doing their jobs, referring to the men and women who patrol Knoxville's streets as "kind." "My personal belief is they'll use a Taser when they're not always under extreme circumstances," he said. To Maize, however, Tasers should be viewed as potentially dangerous devices similar to firearms. Even if they don't kill, he said, the pain they inflict can be traumatic. "If someone uses one on me, it's not something I'm going to ... forget about tomorrow," he said. KPD Sgt. Keith DeBow, who supervises the agency's Taser training, said many people misunderstand how much electricity a Taser shock actually delivers. The Taser X-26 model used by KPD - which costs $799 a unit - often is described as delivering a 50,000-volt jolt, but that description is somewhat deceptive, he said. "It's a 50,000-volt Taser, but that's what it takes to move the current two inches," he said. "Humans are actually hit with about 1,200 volts, according to the manufacturer." Tasers work by using pulses of electricity that are similar to the brain's electrical signals and can be deployed in two ways, DeBow explained. When Taser darts are fired at a suspect and the weapon is activated, the surge of electrical current causes "neuromuscular incapacitation," which means the person will likely lose control of his or her own movements and collapse. "One of the biggest concerns with safety isn't the Taser itself, it's the suspect falling down," he said. A second way Tasers may be used is for the officer to not fire the darts, but instead touch a suspect with the device, causing intense pain that ideally will make them comply with officers' orders, he said. KPD's policy is to always call an ambulance whenever a Taser is used, he said, a requirement that not all departments have. Some agencies, for instance, only require medical assistance when a suspect is hit with a dart, but KPD mandates that anyone shocked receive prompt medical treatment. "Any time an officer has to use force to overcome resistance, there is always a risk of injury to a suspect," DeBow said. "We attempt through training and the use of less-lethal weapons to keep that to a minimum." Carol Scott, longtime executive director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee, said she appreciates the controversies over Taser use but has come to believe that they are a good thing for police officers to have. "I'm okay with Tasers," she said. "I know there are a lot of pros and cons, but at this point, I'd rather you pull your Taser than a gun." The Associated Press contributed to this report. J.J. Stambaugh may be reached at 865-342-6307.

83. Oakland Co Sheriff’s Office MI Since 2003, 257 TASER X26 deployments with 93.3% success since 2003 through mid-Sept 2006. TASER X26 is on the same force level as OC spray and is assigned to every patrol deputy for use. Since the TASER program started in 2003, no deputies or suspects have been injured during a TASER deployment and no excessive use of force lawsuits filed.  (Prior to the TASER program, the deputies were injured on a regular basis with back injuries, broken hands, sprains, strains, etc.) Source: Captain Douglas Molinar, Commander, Patrol Services Division, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Pontiac, MI Source: Captain Douglas Molinar, Commander, Patrol Services Division, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Pontiac, MI

84. Long Beach Police Dept CA 78% field effectiveness 92% of the 342 TASER deployments resulted in minor to no injuries Most frequently used tool when compared to arrest control techniques and other impact weapons. 900 TASER systems in the field. Source: City of Long Beach, CA  January 2006 TASER® STUN DEVICE PROVES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE NEW TOOL The Long Beach Police Department’s use of the TASER stun device has had promising first year results.  The Police Department is reporting a reduction in complaints, injuries and related lawsuits during first year of the TASER’s deployment. The TASER stun device is a less lethal weapon that looks similar to a handgun but it propels two small darts attached to wires that can reach a person up to 21 feet away.  The darts deliver an electric current that momentarily disables a person’s ability to fight or resist.  The electric current is very low amperage for safety but high voltage for effectiveness. Though the electric current only lasts for a few seconds, it is often enough time for officers to safely detain an individual.  This is an excellent tool against combative, intoxicated or uncooperative subjects who pose a threat to others or even themselves. The Police Department employs 985 sworn officers to protect and serve Long Beach’s approximately 52 square miles and almost 500,000 residents.  Between July of 2004 and June of 2005, collected data shows that the deployment of the TASER stun device is an effective tool for officers to protect both the community and themselves. During this period, 92% of the 342 TASER deployments resulted in minor to no injuries.  Additional data include:   Injuries to Officers     - 25% Damage claims          - 33% Arrests                       + 2%   Since the introduction and department wide distribution of the stun devices in 2004, the TASER has shown to be a promising and long-term solution for a safe and effective less lethal weapon.  City of Long Beach, 333 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802   Tel: (562) 570-6555 Source: City of Long Beach, CA  January 2006 TASER® STUN DEVICE PROVES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE NEW TOOL

85. Long Beach Police Dept CA Despite 2% increase in arrests and an 8% increase in overall use of force, arrest-related injuries decreased 25% “Officers immediately acknowledged the TASER’s usefulness and recognized the benefit to themselves, the subjects they touch, and the community members who may witness an altercation” Sources: Police Chief Magazine, Sept 2006 and the City of Long Beach, CA January 2006 TASER® STUN DEVICE PROVES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE NEW TOOL The Long Beach Police Department’s use of the TASER stun device has had promising first year results.  The Police Department is reporting a reduction in complaints, injuries and related lawsuits during first year of the TASER’s deployment. The TASER stun device is a less lethal weapon that looks similar to a handgun but it propels two small darts attached to wires that can reach a person up to 21 feet away.  The darts deliver an electric current that momentarily disables a person’s ability to fight or resist.  The electric current is very low amperage for safety but high voltage for effectiveness. Though the electric current only lasts for a few seconds, it is often enough time for officers to safely detain an individual.  This is an excellent tool against combative, intoxicated or uncooperative subjects who pose a threat to others or even themselves. The Police Department employs 985 sworn officers to protect and serve Long Beach’s approximately 52 square miles and almost 500,000 residents.  Between July of 2004 and June of 2005, collected data shows that the deployment of the TASER stun device is an effective tool for officers to protect both the community and themselves. During this period, 92% of the 342 TASER deployments resulted in minor to no injuries.  Additional data include:   Injuries to Officers     - 25% Damage claims          - 33% Arrests                       + 2%   Since the introduction and department wide distribution of the stun devices in 2004, the TASER has shown to be a promising and long-term solution for a safe and effective less lethal weapon.  City of Long Beach, 333 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802   Tel: (562) 570-6555Sources: Police Chief Magazine, Sept 2006 and the City of Long Beach, CA January 2006 TASER® STUN DEVICE PROVES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE NEW TOOL

86. Source: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD. “Total data compiled from all TASER downloads from IAD to include animal deployments as well as accidental/negligent discharges. To date there has not been a sustained finding of wrong doing, abuse or misuse of a TASER weapon system in any Use of Force allegation filed with IAD. IT HURTS is the major complaint. But with proper training and supervision the TASER system is a valuable tool for the patrol officer with benefits reaching many levels throughout the Department.”Source: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD. “Total data compiled from all TASER downloads from IAD to include animal deployments as well as accidental/negligent discharges. To date there has not been a sustained finding of wrong doing, abuse or misuse of a TASER weapon system in any Use of Force allegation filed with IAD. IT HURTS is the major complaint. But with proper training and supervision the TASER system is a valuable tool for the patrol officer with benefits reaching many levels throughout the Department.”

87. US DOJ/Wake Forest Univ Hospital Injury Study On January 15, 2009, a 3-year review of all TASER ECD uses at 6 police departments found only 3 significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by ECDs, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects exposed to an ECD received no injuries or mild injuries only (i.e., scrapes and bruises) The findings represent a large, independent and multi-center study of ECD injuries Source: Study Suggests Use of TASERs by Law Enforcement Agencies Is Safe http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,300048,00.html Monday, October 08, 2007  WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —  Although the use of Tasers by law enforcement officials has been linked to some highly publicized deaths nationwide, the devices are safe and cause a low occurrence of serious injuries, according to a nationwide study. “This study is the first large, independent study to review every Taser deployment and to reliably assess the overall risk and severity of injuries in real world conditions,” said Dr. William Bozeman, the lead investigator and an emergency medicine specialist at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “The injury rate is low and most injuries appear to be minor. These results support the safety of the devices.” Bozeman will present the results of the study today at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Research Forum in Seattle, Wash. Earlier partial results from the study involving 597 cases were published in the September issue of Annals of Emergency Medicine. In the full review of nearly 1,000 cases, 99.7 percent of people subjected to a Taser had mild injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, or no injuries at all, the study found. Only three subjects (0.3 percent) suffered injuries severe enough to need hospitalization. Two subjects died, but autopsy reports indicate that neither death was related to the Taser, according to the study, which was funded by the National Institute of Justice and included six law enforcement agencies across the United States. Of the serious injuries, two suffered head injuries from falls after Taser use. A third subject was admitted to a hospital two days after arrest with a medical condition that could not be linked directly to Taser use. For the study, a tactical physician at each participating agency reviewed police and medical records after each successful application of a Taser. Injuries were classified as mild, moderate, or severe and their relationship to the Taser was classified as direct, indirect, or uncertain. Bozeman said results from previous studies were limited by the use of animal models and of healthy police volunteers in training settings, not criminal suspects in real-world conditions. “The Taser is a weapon and it can clearly cause injuries and even deaths in some cases,” Bozeman said, in a news release. “The question is how likely is it to cause a significant injury, and whether that risk of injury outweighs the benefits it brings.” --  http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353033113&path=!localnews&s=1037645509099  Few injuries uncovered in Taser study done by WFU WFU researchers looked at use in real-world situations   Monday, October 8, 2007 By Dan Galindo - JOURNAL REPORTER   A study led by researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that Tasers are safe when used by officers to subdue someone, with serious injuries reported in less than 1 percent of all incidents. Researchers found that of 962 people police shocked using a Taser, three had serious injuries. The Taser led to mild or no injuries in 99.7 percent of all cases reviewed over the past two years. The Wake Forest study, paid for by the National Institute of Justice, is said to be the first large, independent study to measure the risk of Taser injuries in real-world situations. “We think it’s an important contribution to the discussion about these weapons,” said Dr. William Bozeman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “We have to do studies in the real world.” Doctors at six jurisdictions across the country reviewed medical and police reports of everyone police used a Taser on, noting injuries ranging from mild - such as cuts and bruises - to serious, such as bruising to the brain caused by a fall after a man was shocked. The study found that 94 percent of people shocked were men, with an average age of 32. The youngest person shocked was 13, and the oldest was 80. Bozeman will present the results of the study today at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Research Forum in Seattle. Steve Tuttle, a spokesman for Taser International, said he was “thrilled” with the results, as the company has maintained that the controversial devices save lives. “It really validates what we’ve been saying,” he said. “Clearly, we are hands-down the safer alternative to batons, kicks, canines and impact weapons.” Tasers can shoot barbed darts that carry an electrical current, which shocks the central nervous system, temporarily paralyzing the person shot. Officers can also use “drive-stun” mode on the gun, pressing it against someone to directly shock them. Controversy follows Tasers, as Amnesty International has tracked more than 270 cases in which a person died after being shocked. Two people in the Wake Forest study died, but autopsies found that the Taser was not a factor in their deaths. More than 11,500 police departments use Tasers, out of about 18,000 total departments nationwide, Tuttle said. Winston-Salem police have four Tasers, which are used by officers on the department’s special-enforcement team. The officers have used a Taser three times since 2005, with no injuries reported, said Lt. Brad Yandell, a police spokesman. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has 14 Tasers assigned to deputies, with plans to assign 65 more as deputies get trained to use them. The model the sheriff’s office bought cost $1,260 and comes equipped with a video camera on the gun. The model will be given to deputies from all sections of the department. Deputies have used their Tasers five times, with no injuries reported, said Maj. Brad Stanley, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office. “It’s another step between deadly force that can be used,” he said. The device has also attracted attention because of allegations that police use it unnecessarily. Critics have cited the case of Andrew Meyer, a student at the University of Florida who disrupted a speech given by Sen. John Kerry. In an incident captured on video and viewed around the world, Meyer shouted, “Don’t Tase me, bro,” before officers used the Taser. Bozeman said that while the Taser appears to be generally safe, there is always the risk of danger. Two of the serious injuries were caused by someone falling after being shocked. The third person had a condition that caused muscle tissue to break down. It’s not clear what the connection is between the Taser use and the injury, Bozeman said. “You cannot treat it as a magical thing that can’t hurt,” he said. “You have to understand that it is a weapon. It’s very important to recognize that these devices are not 100 percent safe.” Al Arena, a project manager in the research division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said that the strength of Bozeman’s study is that doctors were able to review incidents as they happened and collect better data. “That’s the beauty of a study like this - it’s as it occurs,” Arena said. The IACP doesn’t endorse or recommend Tasers. Instead, it offers a model policy for departments that choose to use it. Departments always have to deal with training officers to use the Taser appropriately, Arena said. “If that is the best there is, then you’re still then dealing with the human aspect, someone who has to make a decision to use it, and to use it appropriately,” he said. Arena is working on a study of deaths while someone is in police custody. He said he is aware of five cases in which a Taser was cited in an autopsy as a cause of someone’s death. Taser International has disputed those autopsy findings. Just as more departments using pepper-spray led to controversy, so does the increase in police using Tasers, he said. “It’s a proliferation, and the more uses you have, unfortunately, the more possibility or the risk, the chance, that someone’s going to die in custody,” he said.   ¦ Dan Galindo can be reached at 727-7377 or at dgalindo@wsjournal.com And Embargoed for release at 12:01 AM Eastern Contact: Julie Lloyd January 15, 2009 202-728-0610 x. 3010 www.annemergmed.com   Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare   Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).   “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”   The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).   More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.   “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”   Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # # Source: Study Suggests Use of TASERs by Law Enforcement Agencies Is Safe http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,300048,00.html Monday, October 08, 2007  WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —  Although the use of Tasers by law enforcement officials has been linked to some highly publicized deaths nationwide, the devices are safe and cause a low occurrence of serious injuries, according to a nationwide study. “This study is the first large, independent study to review every Taser deployment and to reliably assess the overall risk and severity of injuries in real world conditions,” said Dr. William Bozeman, the lead investigator and an emergency medicine specialist at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “The injury rate is low and most injuries appear to be minor. These results support the safety of the devices.” Bozeman will present the results of the study today at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Research Forum in Seattle, Wash. Earlier partial results from the study involving 597 cases were published in the September issue of Annals of Emergency Medicine. In the full review of nearly 1,000 cases, 99.7 percent of people subjected to a Taser had mild injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, or no injuries at all, the study found. Only three subjects (0.3 percent) suffered injuries severe enough to need hospitalization. Two subjects died, but autopsy reports indicate that neither death was related to the Taser, according to the study, which was funded by the National Institute of Justice and included six law enforcement agencies across the United States. Of the serious injuries, two suffered head injuries from falls after Taser use. A third subject was admitted to a hospital two days after arrest with a medical condition that could not be linked directly to Taser use. For the study, a tactical physician at each participating agency reviewed police and medical records after each successful application of a Taser. Injuries were classified as mild, moderate, or severe and their relationship to the Taser was classified as direct, indirect, or uncertain. Bozeman said results from previous studies were limited by the use of animal models and of healthy police volunteers in training settings, not criminal suspects in real-world conditions. “The Taser is a weapon and it can clearly cause injuries and even deaths in some cases,” Bozeman said, in a news release. “The question is how likely is it to cause a significant injury, and whether that risk of injury outweighs the benefits it brings.” --  http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353033113&path=!localnews&s=1037645509099  Few injuries uncovered in Taser study done by WFU WFU researchers looked at use in real-world situations   Monday, October 8, 2007 By Dan Galindo - JOURNAL REPORTER   A study led by researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that Tasers are safe when used by officers to subdue someone, with serious injuries reported in less than 1 percent of all incidents. Researchers found that of 962 people police shocked using a Taser, three had serious injuries. The Taser led to mild or no injuries in 99.7 percent of all cases reviewed over the past two years. The Wake Forest study, paid for by the National Institute of Justice, is said to be the first large, independent study to measure the risk of Taser injuries in real-world situations. “We think it’s an important contribution to the discussion about these weapons,” said Dr. William Bozeman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “We have to do studies in the real world.” Doctors at six jurisdictions across the country reviewed medical and police reports of everyone police used a Taser on, noting injuries ranging from mild - such as cuts and bruises - to serious, such as bruising to the brain caused by a fall after a man was shocked. The study found that 94 percent of people shocked were men, with an average age of 32. The youngest person shocked was 13, and the oldest was 80. Bozeman will present the results of the study today at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Research Forum in Seattle. Steve Tuttle, a spokesman for Taser International, said he was “thrilled” with the results, as the company has maintained that the controversial devices save lives. “It really validates what we’ve been saying,” he said. “Clearly, we are hands-down the safer alternative to batons, kicks, canines and impact weapons.” Tasers can shoot barbed darts that carry an electrical current, which shocks the central nervous system, temporarily paralyzing the person shot. Officers can also use “drive-stun” mode on the gun, pressing it against someone to directly shock them. Controversy follows Tasers, as Amnesty International has tracked more than 270 cases in which a person died after being shocked. Two people in the Wake Forest study died, but autopsies found that the Taser was not a factor in their deaths. More than 11,500 police departments use Tasers, out of about 18,000 total departments nationwide, Tuttle said. Winston-Salem police have four Tasers, which are used by officers on the department’s special-enforcement team. The officers have used a Taser three times since 2005, with no injuries reported, said Lt. Brad Yandell, a police spokesman. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has 14 Tasers assigned to deputies, with plans to assign 65 more as deputies get trained to use them. The model the sheriff’s office bought cost $1,260 and comes equipped with a video camera on the gun. The model will be given to deputies from all sections of the department. Deputies have used their Tasers five times, with no injuries reported, said Maj. Brad Stanley, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office. “It’s another step between deadly force that can be used,” he said. The device has also attracted attention because of allegations that police use it unnecessarily. Critics have cited the case of Andrew Meyer, a student at the University of Florida who disrupted a speech given by Sen. John Kerry. In an incident captured on video and viewed around the world, Meyer shouted, “Don’t Tase me, bro,” before officers used the Taser. Bozeman said that while the Taser appears to be generally safe, there is always the risk of danger. Two of the serious injuries were caused by someone falling after being shocked. The third person had a condition that caused muscle tissue to break down. It’s not clear what the connection is between the Taser use and the injury, Bozeman said. “You cannot treat it as a magical thing that can’t hurt,” he said. “You have to understand that it is a weapon. It’s very important to recognize that these devices are not 100 percent safe.” Al Arena, a project manager in the research division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said that the strength of Bozeman’s study is that doctors were able to review incidents as they happened and collect better data. “That’s the beauty of a study like this - it’s as it occurs,” Arena said. The IACP doesn’t endorse or recommend Tasers. Instead, it offers a model policy for departments that choose to use it. Departments always have to deal with training officers to use the Taser appropriately, Arena said. “If that is the best there is, then you’re still then dealing with the human aspect, someone who has to make a decision to use it, and to use it appropriately,” he said. Arena is working on a study of deaths while someone is in police custody. He said he is aware of five cases in which a Taser was cited in an autopsy as a cause of someone’s death. Taser International has disputed those autopsy findings. Just as more departments using pepper-spray led to controversy, so does the increase in police using Tasers, he said. “It’s a proliferation, and the more uses you have, unfortunately, the more possibility or the risk, the chance, that someone’s going to die in custody,” he said.   ¦ Dan Galindo can be reached at 727-7377 or at dgalindo@wsjournal.com And Embargoed for release at 12:01 AM Eastern Contact: Julie Lloyd January 15, 2009 202-728-0610 x. 3010 www.annemergmed.com   Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare   Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).   “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”   The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).   More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.   “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”   Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # #

88. US DOJ/Wake Forest Univ Hospital Injury Study Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83%). Of the 3 subjects who sustained significant injuries, 2 suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine Source: Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare January 15, 2009  Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).  “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”  The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).  More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.  “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”  Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # #Source: Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare January 15, 2009  Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).  “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”  The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).  More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.  “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”  Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # #

89. Study Author Dr. William Bozeman Comments “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects. That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible.” “Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a TASER has been hurt.” Source: Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare January 15, 2009  Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).  “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”  The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).  More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.  “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”  Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # #Source: Serious Injuries From Taser Are Extremely Rare January 15, 2009  Washington, DC— A three-year review of all Taser uses against criminal suspects at six law enforcement agencies found only three significant injuries out of 1,201 criminal suspects subdued by conducted electrical weapons (CEW), or Tasers, and reports that 99.75% of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises. The study is published online today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (“Safety and Injury Profile of Conducted Electrical Weapons Used By Law Enforcement Officers Against Criminal Suspects”).  “These weapons appear to be very safe, especially when compared to other options police have for subduing violent or combative suspects,” said study author William P. Bozeman, MD, of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “That is not to say that injuries and deaths are impossible. Police and medical personnel need to be aware of the potential for serious injury and look for evidence that a person subdued by a Taser has been hurt.”  The findings represent the first large, independent and multi-center study of CEW injuries. Of the 1,201 criminal suspects, 492 suffered mild injuries, mostly superficial puncture wounds (83 percent). Of the three subjects who sustained significant injuries, two suffered from head injuries related to falls; the third suffered rhabdomyolysis, or a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Ninety-four percent of the suspects were male, and alcohol or intoxication was documented in almost half of the cases (49.5 percent).  More than two-thirds of United States law enforcement agencies currently use CEWs.  “While injuries from Taser are uncommon, they are not unheard of,” said Dr. Bozeman. “Subjects exposed to a CEW discharge should be assessed for injuries, and appropriate medical evaluation should be provided when non-trivial injuries are apparent or suspected. Existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the suspect may cause or contribute to the behavior that leads police to use Taser to subdue suspects. These underlying conditions may require medical assessment and treatment, independent of Taser exposure.”  Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org. # # #

90. Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enf Use A prospective, population-based,15-month study of the introduction of ECDs at Dallas (TX) PD policy compliance and associated medical events following ECD activations Among 426 consecutive ECD uses from Nov ‘04 - Jan ‘06, all officers followed policy and all suspects received rapid medical evaluation or simple first aid. No suspect required further treatment except one found to have severe toxic hyperthermia and who died within two hours of activation despite rapid on-scene intervention. Source: Conductive Electrical Devices: A Prospective, Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enforcement Use, The Journal of TRAUMA! Injury, Infection, and Critical Care Alexander L. Eastman, MD, Jeffery C. Metzger, MD, Paul E. Pepe, MD, MPH, Fernando L. Benitez, MD, Sgt. James Decker, Kathy J. Rinnert, MD, MPH, Craig A. Field, PhD, MPH, and Randall S. Friese, MDSource: Conductive Electrical Devices: A Prospective, Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enforcement Use, The Journal of TRAUMA! Injury, Infection, and Critical Care Alexander L. Eastman, MD, Jeffery C. Metzger, MD, Paul E. Pepe, MD, MPH, Fernando L. Benitez, MD, Sgt. James Decker, Kathy J. Rinnert, MD, MPH, Craig A. Field, PhD, MPH, and Randall S. Friese, MD

91. Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enf Use In 5.4% of deployments, ECD use was deemed to have clearly prevented the use of lethal force by police Conclusion: Police were compliant with policy in all cases, and, in addition to avoiding the use of lethal force in a significant number of circumstances, the safety of ECD use was demonstrated despite one death subsequently attributed to lethal toxic hyperthermia Source: Conductive Electrical Devices: A Prospective, Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enforcement Use, The Journal of TRAUMA! Injury, Infection, and Critical Care Alexander L. Eastman, MD, Jeffery C. Metzger, MD, Paul E. Pepe, MD, MPH, Fernando L. Benitez, MD, Sgt. James Decker, Kathy J. Rinnert, MD, MPH, Craig A. Field, PhD, MPH, and Randall S. Friese, MDSource: Conductive Electrical Devices: A Prospective, Population-Based Study of the Medical Safety of Law Enforcement Use, The Journal of TRAUMA! Injury, Infection, and Critical Care Alexander L. Eastman, MD, Jeffery C. Metzger, MD, Paul E. Pepe, MD, MPH, Fernando L. Benitez, MD, Sgt. James Decker, Kathy J. Rinnert, MD, MPH, Craig A. Field, PhD, MPH, and Randall S. Friese, MD

92. Officer & Suspect Injury Review of 1,645 Uses The University of South Carolina’s Dept of Criminology & Criminal Justice research examined 1,645 ECD deployments during Jan ‘02 - Jul ’06 from two law enforcement agencies examining the impact of officer and suspect injuries The use of ECDs was associated with reduced odds of officer and suspect injury and the severity of suspect injury at Miami-Dade Police Dept, FL. At Richland Co Sheriff’s Office, SC, the ECD use was unrelated to the odds of injury Source: The impact of conducted energy devices and other types of force and resistance on officer and suspect injuries Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Kaminski, Jeffrey Rojek, Geoffrey P. Alpert and Jason Mathis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA Published: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Vol. 30 No. 3, 2007, pp. 423-446Source: The impact of conducted energy devices and other types of force and resistance on officer and suspect injuries Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Kaminski, Jeffrey Rojek, Geoffrey P. Alpert and Jason Mathis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA Published: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Vol. 30 No. 3, 2007, pp. 423-446

93. Officer & Suspect Injury Review of 1,645 Uses Hands-on tactics were associated with increased odds of officer and suspect injuries The analysis suggests that relative to other forms of force, ECD usage can reduce the risk of injury to both suspects & police officers. This should prove useful to agencies considering adopting ECDs and suggests that agencies should consider the use of these alternatives in place of hands-on tactics vs. actively resistant suspects. Source: The impact of conducted energy devices and other types of force and resistance on officer and suspect injuries Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Kaminski, Jeffrey Rojek, Geoffrey P. Alpert and Jason Mathis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA Published: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Vol. 30 No. 3, 2007, pp. 423-446Source: The impact of conducted energy devices and other types of force and resistance on officer and suspect injuries Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Kaminski, Jeffrey Rojek, Geoffrey P. Alpert and Jason Mathis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA Published: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Vol. 30 No. 3, 2007, pp. 423-446

95. ORIGINAL INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Overall the M26 now represented a 68% use of force at OCSO and that all other levels of use of force have dropped dramatically. The 2002 numbers are annualized rates from the data published for January through May, 2002.ORIGINAL INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Overall the M26 now represented a 68% use of force at OCSO and that all other levels of use of force have dropped dramatically. The 2002 numbers are annualized rates from the data published for January through May, 2002.

96. Wichita PD KS Prevent Higher Escalation of Force Source: Wichita Police Department TASER Deployment Year One Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn circa 06 18 07Source: Wichita Police Department TASER Deployment Year One Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn circa 06 18 07

97. Phoenix Police Dept AZ Officer Involved Shootings in 2003 vs. 2002 Following Full Deployment of TASER ECDs to All Patrol Officers PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELATIONS DETAIL NEWS Contact: Sgt. Randy Force 602-256-3270 Feb. 6, 2004 POLICE-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS LOWEST IN 14 YEARS   The Phoenix Police Department announced today that total police-involved shootings fell from 28 to 13 (-54 percent) and fatal police shootings fell from 13 to 9 (-31 percent). This is the lowest number of shootings since 1990. “I am proud that Phoenix is the first city in the nation to equip all of our police officers with TASERs,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “We are committed to providing our officers with the latest technology, support and equipment that they need in order to protect them and our community.” “Every day we ask our officers to put their lives on the line to protect the public. It’s our job at the City Council to see that they are given what they need to do their jobs safely, efficiently and effectively. Obviously, TASERs have helped them do exactly that, and the numbers prove it,” said Councilman Dave Siebert, chairman of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee.” In 2002, Police Chief Harold Hurtt formed a committee to review and evaluate all use-of-force issues. One of the areas the committee addressed was less-lethal force options. Test results for the less-lethal “TASER” were favorable, offering the promise of fewer injuries to officers and suspects in high-risk arrest situations. The City Council Public Safety Subcommittee and city management appropriated funds to purchase 1,175 additional TASERs at a cost of $659,000. By March of 2003, the Phoenix Police Department became the first major city police department in the United States to fully deploy TASERs to patrol officers. Phoenix Police recently upgraded to a second generation TASER, the X-26, which is smaller, easier to carry and more powerful. Once a patrol officer is issued the X26 and receives training in its use, carry of the TASER is mandatory. PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELATIONS DETAIL NEWS Contact: Sgt. Randy Force 602-256-3270 Feb. 6, 2004 POLICE-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS LOWEST IN 14 YEARS   The Phoenix Police Department announced today that total police-involved shootings fell from 28 to 13 (-54 percent) and fatal police shootings fell from 13 to 9 (-31 percent). This is the lowest number of shootings since 1990. “I am proud that Phoenix is the first city in the nation to equip all of our police officers with TASERs,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “We are committed to providing our officers with the latest technology, support and equipment that they need in order to protect them and our community.” “Every day we ask our officers to put their lives on the line to protect the public. It’s our job at the City Council to see that they are given what they need to do their jobs safely, efficiently and effectively. Obviously, TASERs have helped them do exactly that, and the numbers prove it,” said Councilman Dave Siebert, chairman of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee.” In 2002, Police Chief Harold Hurtt formed a committee to review and evaluate all use-of-force issues. One of the areas the committee addressed was less-lethal force options. Test results for the less-lethal “TASER” were favorable, offering the promise of fewer injuries to officers and suspects in high-risk arrest situations. The City Council Public Safety Subcommittee and city management appropriated funds to purchase 1,175 additional TASERs at a cost of $659,000. By March of 2003, the Phoenix Police Department became the first major city police department in the United States to fully deploy TASERs to patrol officers. Phoenix Police recently upgraded to a second generation TASER, the X-26, which is smaller, easier to carry and more powerful. Once a patrol officer is issued the X26 and receives training in its use, carry of the TASER is mandatory. 

98. San Diego Co Sheriff’s Dept CADeputy Involved Shootings 1997 - 2007 Source: Officials cite less-lethal tactics, training since '05 - By Kristina Davis - UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER February 11, 2008  After a spate of fatal shootings in 2005, the Sheriff's Department faced an onslaught of public scrutiny and criticism over its use of deadly force. Last year was different: There were zero deputy-involved shootings in 2007. Sheriff's officials say the change is likely the result of a combination of factors, including arming nearly every deputy with a Taser and developing more training on all types of force. A lot of luck also helps, Undersheriff Bill Gore said. “You never know. A deputy could pull someone over tonight at 6 and unfortunately have to use lethal force,” Gore said. “The situation just hasn't presented itself, fortunately.” The last time the department went a year without a shooting was in 1996. Gore said a year without using deadly force is an accomplishment for a department that serves an estimated 900,000 people and patrols about 4,200 square miles. “I think it speaks to the training and caliber of the deputy sheriffs we have out there,” he said. The San Diego Police Department shot 11 suspects last year, according to the District Attorney's Office, which investigates all police shootings in which someone is injured. Oceanside police and the California Highway Patrol shot one suspect each, and Chula Vista police shot three. “In a perfect world, we'd love to have people comply so that doesn't have to happen,” San Diego police spokeswoman Mónica Muñoz said. “No department wants to have officers involved in shootings.” Officers in San Diego also must deal with a larger and more compact population, an influx of visitors and, until recently, beaches where alcohol flows freely, Muñoz said. “There are so many violent individuals out there that we don't even draw our gun on,” she said. “That number compared to the number of shootings would be astronomical.” Muñoz said less-lethal weapons, such as beanbag guns and Tasers – which deliver an electric shock to incapacitate a suspect – have been used by the department for several years and have prevented numerous officer-involved shootings. The Sheriff's Department began buying Tasers at the end of 2005, shortly after deputies in Vista fatally shot three Latino suspects within a five-day span. The shootings sparked outrage in the community and prompted the department to hire an outside agency for a comprehensive review on its use-of-force policies. The District Attorney's Office ruled the shootings justified a year later. Gore said at the time that the department began considering buying Tasers a year before, and the push to purchase them was not based on the three shootings. Today, nearly every deputy carries a Taser when on patrol. An additional 300 stun guns have been ordered as the department begins arming some deputies in the jails and courthouses. “I'm convinced there were probably situations that had we not had a Taser, (it) could have developed into a use of lethal force situation,” Gore said. Often the threat of a Taser will stop a suspect. “They may be intoxicated and angry, but they have a memory of how painful something like that can be. It's psychological,” said sheriff's Lt. Dave Moss, director of the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy. As deputies were issued Tasers, they also were required to go through a three-day training program on all types of force. The training included practical scenarios and taught deputies what type of force to use in different situations. “It's pretty intense and very helpful to deputies,” Moss said. Source: Officials cite less-lethal tactics, training since '05 - By Kristina Davis - UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER February 11, 2008  After a spate of fatal shootings in 2005, the Sheriff's Department faced an onslaught of public scrutiny and criticism over its use of deadly force. Last year was different: There were zero deputy-involved shootings in 2007. Sheriff's officials say the change is likely the result of a combination of factors, including arming nearly every deputy with a Taser and developing more training on all types of force. A lot of luck also helps, Undersheriff Bill Gore said. “You never know. A deputy could pull someone over tonight at 6 and unfortunately have to use lethal force,” Gore said. “The situation just hasn't presented itself, fortunately.” The last time the department went a year without a shooting was in 1996. Gore said a year without using deadly force is an accomplishment for a department that serves an estimated 900,000 people and patrols about 4,200 square miles. “I think it speaks to the training and caliber of the deputy sheriffs we have out there,” he said. The San Diego Police Department shot 11 suspects last year, according to the District Attorney's Office, which investigates all police shootings in which someone is injured. Oceanside police and the California Highway Patrol shot one suspect each, and Chula Vista police shot three. “In a perfect world, we'd love to have people comply so that doesn't have to happen,” San Diego police spokeswoman Mónica Muñoz said. “No department wants to have officers involved in shootings.” Officers in San Diego also must deal with a larger and more compact population, an influx of visitors and, until recently, beaches where alcohol flows freely, Muñoz said. “There are so many violent individuals out there that we don't even draw our gun on,” she said. “That number compared to the number of shootings would be astronomical.” Muñoz said less-lethal weapons, such as beanbag guns and Tasers – which deliver an electric shock to incapacitate a suspect – have been used by the department for several years and have prevented numerous officer-involved shootings. The Sheriff's Department began buying Tasers at the end of 2005, shortly after deputies in Vista fatally shot three Latino suspects within a five-day span. The shootings sparked outrage in the community and prompted the department to hire an outside agency for a comprehensive review on its use-of-force policies. The District Attorney's Office ruled the shootings justified a year later. Gore said at the time that the department began considering buying Tasers a year before, and the push to purchase them was not based on the three shootings. Today, nearly every deputy carries a Taser when on patrol. An additional 300 stun guns have been ordered as the department begins arming some deputies in the jails and courthouses. “I'm convinced there were probably situations that had we not had a Taser, (it) could have developed into a use of lethal force situation,” Gore said. Often the threat of a Taser will stop a suspect. “They may be intoxicated and angry, but they have a memory of how painful something like that can be. It's psychological,” said sheriff's Lt. Dave Moss, director of the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy. As deputies were issued Tasers, they also were required to go through a three-day training program on all types of force. The training included practical scenarios and taught deputies what type of force to use in different situations. “It's pretty intense and very helpful to deputies,” Moss said.

99. Fort Worth PD TXOfficer Involved Shootings 2000 - 2008 Source:   Tasers gaining widespread acceptance, but Tarrant County sheriff bucks the trend Posted Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 By ELIZABETH ZAVALA Source: http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1676913.html ezavala@star-telegram.com   Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson appears to be the lone holdout among the state’s largest metropolitan law enforcement agencies in refusing to issue Tasers to his deputies. Sheriff’s departments in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties use the weapons that deliver an electric shock. Locally, more than 10 police departments — including Arlington, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and Fort Worth — have trained their officers and equipped them with Tasers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is one of Taser International’s latest clients, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking to add Tasers to its arsenal as well. Proponents say officers who use Tasers, which deliver a 50,000-volt shock that can temporarily immobilize a suspect, fire a gun less often, helping protect both the suspect and officer in potentially deadly situations. But as Tasers continue to gain acceptance in the law enforcement community, questions about their safety persist — especially when a Taser-related death makes headlines. Anderson said the risk-reward factor was key in his decision not to use them. "My concern has always been that someday there would be an officer who might cause the death of someone with one of the Tasers," he said. "If you have a less-than-lethal option in your hand and you end up causing the death of someone, I felt that it would put the deputy in a tough spot." Before making his decision, Anderson conducted his own research, studied the stun guns and followed local cases where they were used. In cases where people who have health issues or who have used alcohol or drugs, Anderson found that the electric shock could be deadly. In the end, he decided against seeking funding for them. The sheriff also turned to Tarrant County Medical Examiner Dr. Nizam Peerwani for advice. "He voiced those very same concerns," Anderson said. "He thought if the Taser was used on a perfectly healthy individual, that it was probably safe. He said he feared someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs or [who] had some physical impairment in some way . . . that there could be further damage done, up to causing the death of a person. It gave me great pause." Peerwani has declined to comment on Taser incidents, citing the investigation into the death of Michael Patrick Jacobs Jr., 24, who died April 18 after he was shocked with a Taser fired by a Fort Worth police officer. In his autopsy report on Jacobs, Peerwani noted that the officer’s first shot lasted 49 seconds. The second shot, about one second later, lasted five seconds. Peerwani found no drugs in Jacobs’ system and ruled the death a homicide. The case has been turned over to the Tarrant County district attorney’s office and is expected to go before a grand jury, said Lt. Paul Henderson, chief of staff for Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead. Henderson added that an internal investigation is ongoing. The Jacobs family is suing the city of Fort Worth and the Police Department for wrongful death. Jacobs’ parents had called authorities because their son was causing problems at their home. When officers arrived, he became combative, police said, and when he would not cooperate, he was shot twice with the device, according to reports. His death has resurrected the debate on Tasers, with some in the community decrying the stun guns as a form of torture and questioning how well police officers are trained in deploying the devices. Police Cpl. Stephanie A. Phillips told an investigator that she "unknowingly" depressed the trigger of the Taser for 49 seconds when she shocked Jacobs. It’s a case that perfectly illustrates Anderson’s concerns. Tasers, he said, are safe when used under controlled conditions. "But when you are on the streets and adrenaline is pumping, things can go very differently," Anderson said. "What if a person gets excited and issues continual shocks? What if they don’t release the trigger when they are supposed to?" Conflicting analyses Scientific reports are conflicting as to whether the devices cause death, even if the shocks last longer than they are supposed to, said Dr. Jose A. Joglar, an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "The Taser is designed to have a minimum of five seconds’ [deployment] after a single click, like when firing a gun," he said. "Yet, if the person remains agitated and the officer keeps the Taser on, then the immobilization due to involuntary muscle contraction would persist." Joglar said that in Jacobs’ case, where the Taser was deployed longer than the predetermined setting, immobilization lasted for as long as 49 seconds. "Yet, there is no evidence longer duration Taser applications would necessarily put the heart at a higher risk of arrhythmia since the energy for each pulse is still low," he said. Amnesty International reported this year that 351 people have died after being stunned with Tasers in the United States since June 2001. The organization has called on governments to suspend their use or limit them to life-threatening situations. Since the Fort Worth Police Department began using Tasers in 2001, police employees have used Tasers 1,360 times, according to information released by the department in August. Of those, police said, there have been four in-custody deaths, including Jacobs’. Three of the people who died were high on cocaine, according to autopsy reports. Agencies and the manufacturer say the Taser has been proven to reduce the number of injuries to both suspects and officers. In Fort Worth, 41 police shootings occurred from 1992 to 2000. From 2000 to 2008, there were 29, a 30 percent reduction, according to the department. Henderson said that decrease supports the department’s decision to use Tasers, adding that they have also been used to prevent suicides. "Overall, the Taser has proven for us to be an effective force option because officers can engage with others from a distance," he said. "We’ve [also] seen the use of Taser when deadly force would have been a more appropriate option. It significantly reduced the serious injury to the individual and others." Henderson said the department conducts reviews anytime there is an injury involving use of force. "There are individuals that, for whatever reason, are violent, and they fight with the police," he said. "The last thing we ever want to do is injure someone. Sometimes they place themselves in that position, and that is the consequence." 'An excellent tool’ The safety component is what led Kennedale to become the latest Tarrant County city to purchase Tasers. In January, the City Council voted to buy five for the 19-officer department. Police Chief Tommy Williams said the department had considered the idea since he became chief in 2006. Officers have displayed Tasers several times this year, he said, but have not had to deploy them. "The word is getting around," he said. "It’s kind of like pepper spray: It’s not pleasant to have one of these units deployed on you." Williams, like Anderson, did his own research on the devices, including the reported deaths involving Tasers, before pursuing them. "Ultimately, I felt like it was an excellent tool," Williams said. In Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, the Sheriff’s Department began testing 50 Tasers a little over a year ago in divisions it identifies as strategic areas of enforcement, Deputy Chief Dale Bennett said in an e-mail. He said Tasers are great tools that have worked well in the department, having been used effectively many times with compliance from the person being stunned. "Hand-to-hand combat is basically reduced to nothing between an officer and a suspect if the officer carries a Taser," he said. Bennett said that as public awareness increases about Tasers and people understand their capabilities, authorities will see more compliance. Growing in popularity Taser International has sold more than 406,000 devices to law enforcement agencies in 29 out of the 33 largest U.S. cities, according to its Web site. Officers in Boston, Detroit, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., do not carry them, but San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón told The Examiner on Thursday that the use of Tasers by his department is a matter of "when, not if anymore." Each law enforcement agency that has purchased the product must undergo at least six to eight hours of training, yearly certification and, in some cases, experience being stunned, according to the agencies and Taser officials. The company offers civilian models of the Taser, which have the same stopping power as those that authorities carry, and has sold more than 198,000, spokesman Steve Tuttle said. Taser’s law enforcement reach continues to grow, and last month, it signed an undisclosed contract with Customs and Border Protection. Tuttle said the market penetration shows how successful Tasers are. Authorities "now have a safer, more effective, yet an accountable, system to safely incapacitate a dangerous suspect," he said. "Officer safety is paramount, as well as protecting the suspects, and that mission has not only been accomplished, it has exceeded expectation throughout the country." The Texas DPS hopes to add Tasers to its force of 3,000 commissioned officers, "as soon as we can find the money," spokeswoman Tela Mange said. Mange said Tasers could be an additional safety precaution for troopers because they are often in remote areas by themselves in the middle of the night. Anderson, the Tarrant County sheriff, said he realizes that his decision is controversial. "I took a lot of criticism," he said, "but I have to do what’s best for the people of the county and my employees." ELIZABETH ZAVALA, 817-390-7418Source:   Tasers gaining widespread acceptance, but Tarrant County sheriff bucks the trend Posted Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 By ELIZABETH ZAVALA Source: http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1676913.html ezavala@star-telegram.com   Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson appears to be the lone holdout among the state’s largest metropolitan law enforcement agencies in refusing to issue Tasers to his deputies. Sheriff’s departments in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties use the weapons that deliver an electric shock. Locally, more than 10 police departments — including Arlington, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and Fort Worth — have trained their officers and equipped them with Tasers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is one of Taser International’s latest clients, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking to add Tasers to its arsenal as well. Proponents say officers who use Tasers, which deliver a 50,000-volt shock that can temporarily immobilize a suspect, fire a gun less often, helping protect both the suspect and officer in potentially deadly situations. But as Tasers continue to gain acceptance in the law enforcement community, questions about their safety persist — especially when a Taser-related death makes headlines. Anderson said the risk-reward factor was key in his decision not to use them. "My concern has always been that someday there would be an officer who might cause the death of someone with one of the Tasers," he said. "If you have a less-than-lethal option in your hand and you end up causing the death of someone, I felt that it would put the deputy in a tough spot." Before making his decision, Anderson conducted his own research, studied the stun guns and followed local cases where they were used. In cases where people who have health issues or who have used alcohol or drugs, Anderson found that the electric shock could be deadly. In the end, he decided against seeking funding for them. The sheriff also turned to Tarrant County Medical Examiner Dr. Nizam Peerwani for advice. "He voiced those very same concerns," Anderson said. "He thought if the Taser was used on a perfectly healthy individual, that it was probably safe. He said he feared someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs or [who] had some physical impairment in some way . . . that there could be further damage done, up to causing the death of a person. It gave me great pause." Peerwani has declined to comment on Taser incidents, citing the investigation into the death of Michael Patrick Jacobs Jr., 24, who died April 18 after he was shocked with a Taser fired by a Fort Worth police officer. In his autopsy report on Jacobs, Peerwani noted that the officer’s first shot lasted 49 seconds. The second shot, about one second later, lasted five seconds. Peerwani found no drugs in Jacobs’ system and ruled the death a homicide. The case has been turned over to the Tarrant County district attorney’s office and is expected to go before a grand jury, said Lt. Paul Henderson, chief of staff for Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead. Henderson added that an internal investigation is ongoing. The Jacobs family is suing the city of Fort Worth and the Police Department for wrongful death. Jacobs’ parents had called authorities because their son was causing problems at their home. When officers arrived, he became combative, police said, and when he would not cooperate, he was shot twice with the device, according to reports. His death has resurrected the debate on Tasers, with some in the community decrying the stun guns as a form of torture and questioning how well police officers are trained in deploying the devices. Police Cpl. Stephanie A. Phillips told an investigator that she "unknowingly" depressed the trigger of the Taser for 49 seconds when she shocked Jacobs. It’s a case that perfectly illustrates Anderson’s concerns. Tasers, he said, are safe when used under controlled conditions. "But when you are on the streets and adrenaline is pumping, things can go very differently," Anderson said. "What if a person gets excited and issues continual shocks? What if they don’t release the trigger when they are supposed to?" Conflicting analyses Scientific reports are conflicting as to whether the devices cause death, even if the shocks last longer than they are supposed to, said Dr. Jose A. Joglar, an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "The Taser is designed to have a minimum of five seconds’ [deployment] after a single click, like when firing a gun," he said. "Yet, if the person remains agitated and the officer keeps the Taser on, then the immobilization due to involuntary muscle contraction would persist." Joglar said that in Jacobs’ case, where the Taser was deployed longer than the predetermined setting, immobilization lasted for as long as 49 seconds. "Yet, there is no evidence longer duration Taser applications would necessarily put the heart at a higher risk of arrhythmia since the energy for each pulse is still low," he said. Amnesty International reported this year that 351 people have died after being stunned with Tasers in the United States since June 2001. The organization has called on governments to suspend their use or limit them to life-threatening situations. Since the Fort Worth Police Department began using Tasers in 2001, police employees have used Tasers 1,360 times, according to information released by the department in August. Of those, police said, there have been four in-custody deaths, including Jacobs’. Three of the people who died were high on cocaine, according to autopsy reports. Agencies and the manufacturer say the Taser has been proven to reduce the number of injuries to both suspects and officers. In Fort Worth, 41 police shootings occurred from 1992 to 2000. From 2000 to 2008, there were 29, a 30 percent reduction, according to the department. Henderson said that decrease supports the department’s decision to use Tasers, adding that they have also been used to prevent suicides. "Overall, the Taser has proven for us to be an effective force option because officers can engage with others from a distance," he said. "We’ve [also] seen the use of Taser when deadly force would have been a more appropriate option. It significantly reduced the serious injury to the individual and others." Henderson said the department conducts reviews anytime there is an injury involving use of force. "There are individuals that, for whatever reason, are violent, and they fight with the police," he said. "The last thing we ever want to do is injure someone. Sometimes they place themselves in that position, and that is the consequence." 'An excellent tool’ The safety component is what led Kennedale to become the latest Tarrant County city to purchase Tasers. In January, the City Council voted to buy five for the 19-officer department. Police Chief Tommy Williams said the department had considered the idea since he became chief in 2006. Officers have displayed Tasers several times this year, he said, but have not had to deploy them. "The word is getting around," he said. "It’s kind of like pepper spray: It’s not pleasant to have one of these units deployed on you." Williams, like Anderson, did his own research on the devices, including the reported deaths involving Tasers, before pursuing them. "Ultimately, I felt like it was an excellent tool," Williams said. In Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, the Sheriff’s Department began testing 50 Tasers a little over a year ago in divisions it identifies as strategic areas of enforcement, Deputy Chief Dale Bennett said in an e-mail. He said Tasers are great tools that have worked well in the department, having been used effectively many times with compliance from the person being stunned. "Hand-to-hand combat is basically reduced to nothing between an officer and a suspect if the officer carries a Taser," he said. Bennett said that as public awareness increases about Tasers and people understand their capabilities, authorities will see more compliance. Growing in popularity Taser International has sold more than 406,000 devices to law enforcement agencies in 29 out of the 33 largest U.S. cities, according to its Web site. Officers in Boston, Detroit, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., do not carry them, but San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón told The Examiner on Thursday that the use of Tasers by his department is a matter of "when, not if anymore." Each law enforcement agency that has purchased the product must undergo at least six to eight hours of training, yearly certification and, in some cases, experience being stunned, according to the agencies and Taser officials. The company offers civilian models of the Taser, which have the same stopping power as those that authorities carry, and has sold more than 198,000, spokesman Steve Tuttle said. Taser’s law enforcement reach continues to grow, and last month, it signed an undisclosed contract with Customs and Border Protection. Tuttle said the market penetration shows how successful Tasers are. Authorities "now have a safer, more effective, yet an accountable, system to safely incapacitate a dangerous suspect," he said. "Officer safety is paramount, as well as protecting the suspects, and that mission has not only been accomplished, it has exceeded expectation throughout the country." The Texas DPS hopes to add Tasers to its force of 3,000 commissioned officers, "as soon as we can find the money," spokeswoman Tela Mange said. Mange said Tasers could be an additional safety precaution for troopers because they are often in remote areas by themselves in the middle of the night. Anderson, the Tarrant County sheriff, said he realizes that his decision is controversial. "I took a lot of criticism," he said, "but I have to do what’s best for the people of the county and my employees." ELIZABETH ZAVALA, 817-390-7418

100. Oklahoma City PD Field Results Oklahoma City officers were involved in 12 shootings in 2000, in which 5 suspects were killed In 2001, the year Oklahoma City bought its TASER ECDs, officer-involved shootings dropped to 7. That number dropped to 5 in 2002, and there were 6 in 2003. Since then, 3 occurred in 2005 and 1 in 2006. Source: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jul-09-Sun-2006/news/8387164.html Jurisdiction 2006 2005 Pop. 2005 Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County* 8 9 1,343,401 San Jose, Calif. 0 2 912,000 San Francisco 2 0 739,000 Austin, Texas 1 1 690,000 Portland, Ore. 0 3 533,000 Oklahoma City 1 3 531,000 Los Angeles* 6 11 3,844,000 Gary, Ind.** 0 1 102,000 Philadelphia** 15 2 1,463,000 Nashville** 1 3 549,000 Houston** 3 8 2,016,000Source: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jul-09-Sun-2006/news/8387164.html Jurisdiction 2006 2005 Pop. 2005 Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County* 8 9 1,343,401 San Jose, Calif. 0 2 912,000 San Francisco 2 0 739,000 Austin, Texas 1 1 690,000 Portland, Ore. 0 3 533,000 Oklahoma City 1 3 531,000 Los Angeles* 6 11 3,844,000 Gary, Ind.** 0 1 102,000 Philadelphia** 15 2 1,463,000 Nashville** 1 3 549,000 Houston** 3 8 2,016,000

101. Ventura Co Sheriff’s Dept CA Deputy Involved Shootings in 2007 vs. Past Six Years: 0 Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/tasers-prove-their-worth/  Editorial: Tasers prove their worth - A less-than-lethal choice Thursday, March 27, 2008  When the Ventura County Sheriff's Department decided just over a year ago to arm its deputies with Tasers, The Star asked for an annual report so the public could evaluate their use and gauge their effectiveness. The department responded, and the numbers show Tasers — small handheld weapons that deliver an electrical shock to a violent suspect — have reduced the risk of injury to deputies, offenders and members of the public. Remarkably, Ventura County sheriff's deputies have not been forced to shoot anyone with a gun since 2006, a statistic the Sheriff's Department attributes to Tasers being fully implemented by the department. From 2000 to 2006, there were, by comparison, 17 deputy-involved shootings in the Ventura County sheriff's jurisdiction. Statistics kept since 2002 indicate that the majority of those shootings involved suspects who were mentally ill. In 2007, deputies used Tasers approximately 123 times or just over 10 times a month, Chris Godfrey, a commander in the Sheriff's Department, told The Star's Editorial Board at a meeting Tuesday. Of the 123 total uses, confrontations were resolved successfully 107 times. Tasers have proved to be so useful to law enforcement that all police departments in Ventura County now use them, according to Cmdr. Godfrey. For the most part, deputies used their Tasers in situations such as suicide prevention, pursuits, subduing the emotionally disturbed and those under the influence of alcohol and drugs. All those hit with a Taser, via dart-like probes, became incapacitated. However, once the Taser is shut off, those hit recover immediately. Cmdr. Marty Rouse knows firsthand what it feels like, having been "tased" during training. "It is like all your organs are doing a dance," he told The Star Editorial Board. "It's incapacitation." Among the department's 2007 findings: — In 22 incidents, fear of being hit with a Taser was enough to make a suspect quit resisting and surrender. — Since deputies have been armed with Tasers, there has been a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies from previous years. This keeps highly trained deputies on the job. For example, in 2006, 24 deputies were injured, in 2005, the number was 37. In all of 2007, 10 deputies were injured. — The resulting savings in Workers' Compensation rates and retirement costs are significant. — The most serious injury to a suspect hit with a Taser was a cut to the back of the head. — There were no lawsuits filed related to the department's use of the Taser. — Taser use prevented the need for lethal force during one incident and very likely saved the life of a suicidal person in another. There are several reasons for these positive results. The department strictly supervises the use of Tasers. It closely reviews each use of a Taser and adjusts its policy when needed. The department is keenly aware of public opinion and its rigid guidelines reflect its importance. The upshot is that, so far, Tasers have proved to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, saving money, careers and, most importantly, lives.Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/27/tasers-prove-their-worth/  Editorial: Tasers prove their worth - A less-than-lethal choice Thursday, March 27, 2008  When the Ventura County Sheriff's Department decided just over a year ago to arm its deputies with Tasers, The Star asked for an annual report so the public could evaluate their use and gauge their effectiveness. The department responded, and the numbers show Tasers — small handheld weapons that deliver an electrical shock to a violent suspect — have reduced the risk of injury to deputies, offenders and members of the public. Remarkably, Ventura County sheriff's deputies have not been forced to shoot anyone with a gun since 2006, a statistic the Sheriff's Department attributes to Tasers being fully implemented by the department. From 2000 to 2006, there were, by comparison, 17 deputy-involved shootings in the Ventura County sheriff's jurisdiction. Statistics kept since 2002 indicate that the majority of those shootings involved suspects who were mentally ill. In 2007, deputies used Tasers approximately 123 times or just over 10 times a month, Chris Godfrey, a commander in the Sheriff's Department, told The Star's Editorial Board at a meeting Tuesday. Of the 123 total uses, confrontations were resolved successfully 107 times. Tasers have proved to be so useful to law enforcement that all police departments in Ventura County now use them, according to Cmdr. Godfrey. For the most part, deputies used their Tasers in situations such as suicide prevention, pursuits, subduing the emotionally disturbed and those under the influence of alcohol and drugs. All those hit with a Taser, via dart-like probes, became incapacitated. However, once the Taser is shut off, those hit recover immediately. Cmdr. Marty Rouse knows firsthand what it feels like, having been "tased" during training. "It is like all your organs are doing a dance," he told The Star Editorial Board. "It's incapacitation." Among the department's 2007 findings: — In 22 incidents, fear of being hit with a Taser was enough to make a suspect quit resisting and surrender. — Since deputies have been armed with Tasers, there has been a 72 percent reduction in injuries to deputies from previous years. This keeps highly trained deputies on the job. For example, in 2006, 24 deputies were injured, in 2005, the number was 37. In all of 2007, 10 deputies were injured. — The resulting savings in Workers' Compensation rates and retirement costs are significant. — The most serious injury to a suspect hit with a Taser was a cut to the back of the head. — There were no lawsuits filed related to the department's use of the Taser. — Taser use prevented the need for lethal force during one incident and very likely saved the life of a suicidal person in another. There are several reasons for these positive results. The department strictly supervises the use of Tasers. It closely reviews each use of a Taser and adjusts its policy when needed. The department is keenly aware of public opinion and its rigid guidelines reflect its importance. The upshot is that, so far, Tasers have proved to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, saving money, careers and, most importantly, lives.

102. Seattle PD WA Field Results Officer Involved Shootings in 2003 vs. Past 15 Years: 0 Less Lethal Weapons Still Pack a Big Punch; But Require Lots Of Extra Training ,  2/4/04, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer They are neon orange, shoot beanbags and look like toys, but the newest Remington shotguns some Seattle cops now wield are the latest tools in the city's arsenal of less lethal weapons. As of last week, 16 patrol officers began carrying the new weapons, the final stage of a plan to give police options besides deadly force when dealing with mentally ill, drugged or just plain violent people. "The whole less-lethal program has been phenomenal for us," police Chief Gil Kerlikowske said, noting that there were no fatal shootings involving police officers in Seattle last year. "That's the first time in 15 years," he said. But Kerlikowske, other law enforcement officers and even some in the community who have wanted less lethal weapons caution that just because the weapons are not designed to kill, it doesn't mean they won't. And it doesn't mean a police officer won't ever have to use deadly force. "It's certainly not a panacea," firearms instructor Sgt. Pete Verhaar said of the beanbag shotguns. "It certainly has its limitations." For years, the tools the average patrol officer had at his or her disposal remained unchanged, Kerlikowske said. "We were still using the same things - sticks and guns," he said, referring to the side arms and batons that officers traditionally carry. But in the 1990s, Seattle police officers were involved in some high-profile shootings. One was the 1999 shooting death of David Walker, a mentally ill man armed with a knife. He had earlier robbed juice from a nearby store and fired two errant shots from a handgun. Many in the community felt police were too quick to shoot Walker, and pressure mounted to find less lethal ways for dealing with dangerous people, particularly the mentally ill. In October 2000, city officials approved spending $350,000 to buy Tasers and beanbag shotguns and to begin a program to give officers a better way of dealing with people going through a mental health crisis. Crisis intervention training was already under way at the time, teaching officers enhanced verbal skills to deal with mentally disturbed people. At the time Walker died, about 120 officers had received the training. After the shooting, there was a renewed commitment to expand the program to 200 patrol officers trained in the 40-hour course. The department exceeded that goal. By the end of the first year, 214 officers were trained and there was a waiting list of more officers who wanted to learn the crisis intervention methods. Kerlikowske said he recently watched a trained officer handle a disturbed man by literally talking him into an ambulance. "It was so impressive to see that level of skill," he said. The Tasers that some patrol officers carry were bought in late 2000, but the city's SWAT officers had Tasers available years earlier. Shaped like boxy flashlights, they were rarely used, said Officer Chris Myers, who trains other officers in the use of the Tasers. "They sat on the shelf forever," Myers said. The newer ones were M26 Tasers, shaped like handguns so officers had a ready feel for them. They fired two probes up to 21 feet, were carried in an extra holster officers wore on their thigh, and ran on 8 AA batteries available just about anywhere. Still, officers were initially reluctant to use them. "It started off pretty slow," Myers said. By the end of the first year, 158 officers carried the M26 Tasers, but some left them in the holster. Taser incidents in 2001 totaled just 103. Ken Saucier, president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, said officers are often reluctant to use new equipment, especially in volatile situations. "If we make a mistake, we're dead," he said. "For us, it's not a game. It's not an experiment." Even tools now standard for officers became widely used only gradually, Saucier said. "I remember when we first got pepper spray. We'd get into knockdown, drag-out fights, forgetting we had it on our belt," he said. "It was so new, you just kept forgetting you had it." With Tasers, their use grew as word spread among the rank and file that the device frequently did what it promised: stopped people in their tracks.  02/04/2004 Less Lethal Weapons Still Pack a Big Punch; But Require Lots Of Extra Training ,  2/4/04, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer They are neon orange, shoot beanbags and look like toys, but the newest Remington shotguns some Seattle cops now wield are the latest tools in the city's arsenal of less lethal weapons. As of last week, 16 patrol officers began carrying the new weapons, the final stage of a plan to give police options besides deadly force when dealing with mentally ill, drugged or just plain violent people. "The whole less-lethal program has been phenomenal for us," police Chief Gil Kerlikowske said, noting that there were no fatal shootings involving police officers in Seattle last year. "That's the first time in 15 years," he said. But Kerlikowske, other law enforcement officers and even some in the community who have wanted less lethal weapons caution that just because the weapons are not designed to kill, it doesn't mean they won't. And it doesn't mean a police officer won't ever have to use deadly force. "It's certainly not a panacea," firearms instructor Sgt. Pete Verhaar said of the beanbag shotguns. "It certainly has its limitations." For years, the tools the average patrol officer had at his or her disposal remained unchanged, Kerlikowske said. "We were still using the same things - sticks and guns," he said, referring to the side arms and batons that officers traditionally carry. But in the 1990s, Seattle police officers were involved in some high-profile shootings. One was the 1999 shooting death of David Walker, a mentally ill man armed with a knife. He had earlier robbed juice from a nearby store and fired two errant shots from a handgun. Many in the community felt police were too quick to shoot Walker, and pressure mounted to find less lethal ways for dealing with dangerous people, particularly the mentally ill. In October 2000, city officials approved spending $350,000 to buy Tasers and beanbag shotguns and to begin a program to give officers a better way of dealing with people going through a mental health crisis. Crisis intervention training was already under way at the time, teaching officers enhanced verbal skills to deal with mentally disturbed people. At the time Walker died, about 120 officers had received the training. After the shooting, there was a renewed commitment to expand the program to 200 patrol officers trained in the 40-hour course. The department exceeded that goal. By the end of the first year, 214 officers were trained and there was a waiting list of more officers who wanted to learn the crisis intervention methods. Kerlikowske said he recently watched a trained officer handle a disturbed man by literally talking him into an ambulance. "It was so impressive to see that level of skill," he said. The Tasers that some patrol officers carry were bought in late 2000, but the city's SWAT officers had Tasers available years earlier. Shaped like boxy flashlights, they were rarely used, said Officer Chris Myers, who trains other officers in the use of the Tasers. "They sat on the shelf forever," Myers said. The newer ones were M26 Tasers, shaped like handguns so officers had a ready feel for them. They fired two probes up to 21 feet, were carried in an extra holster officers wore on their thigh, and ran on 8 AA batteries available just about anywhere. Still, officers were initially reluctant to use them. "It started off pretty slow," Myers said. By the end of the first year, 158 officers carried the M26 Tasers, but some left them in the holster. Taser incidents in 2001 totaled just 103. Ken Saucier, president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, said officers are often reluctant to use new equipment, especially in volatile situations. "If we make a mistake, we're dead," he said. "For us, it's not a game. It's not an experiment." Even tools now standard for officers became widely used only gradually, Saucier said. "I remember when we first got pepper spray. We'd get into knockdown, drag-out fights, forgetting we had it on our belt," he said. "It was so new, you just kept forgetting you had it." With Tasers, their use grew as word spread among the rank and file that the device frequently did what it promised: stopped people in their tracks.  02/04/2004

103. Miami PD FL Field Results Physical Controls Firearm Discharges 2000: 493 2000: 24 2001: 303 2001: 18 2002: 100 2002: 12 2003: 103 2003: 0 Source: Miami Police Stats provided by Sgt. Richard Gentry in January 2004. Source: Miami Herald Officers haven't fired shot in months The Miami Police Department, once plagued by an abundance of shootings, has not pulled the trigger in 19 months. Police brass credit new rules and training. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@herald.com on Aug. 03, 2004 Miami police officers, who once had a reputation for being trigger-happy cowboys, haven't fired on a single person in 19 months. That's a dramatic change. Miami officers shot at people an average of 15 times a year from 1990 to 2001, killing 33 of them. Police Chief John Timoney said better training, new equipment that gives officers alternatives to firing their guns and a tightened policy governing when officers can shoot all have helped lower the number of shootings. It signals a shift in the department's culture, some say. “I'm very proud this department is shedding a Wild West mentality,” said Lt. David Magnusson, who runs an undercover squad that spends most of its time in some of Miami's most dangerous neighborhoods. Department leaders “revamped the deadly-force policy and they're beating into your head, letting you know what's expected of you, what's not expected of you,” Magnusson said. CRITICS PLEASED The department's critics hailed the decline in shootings as vindication for their earlier complaints. “I think it shows that all the protesting that we've done and the arm twisting and everything has paid off,” said Max Rameau, a community activist. “I think this kind of vindicates us that we were right and they were out of control.” A Herald investigation in 2001 and 2002 into the police department's record of shootings found lax oversight and poor investigations after shootings. In 2001, the federal government took notice of Miami's shooting history, indicting 13 officers on charges that they conspired to cover up questionable shootings by planting guns near the victims or lying about the circumstances of the shootings. Ultimately, nine officers were convicted or pleaded guilty; four were acquitted. Some give Timoney -- who took over as chief in January 2003 -- much of the credit for turning the department around. “[He] is a very strong leader who is introducing a new set of values to the city of Miami… Those values include more accountability and the responsibility of supervisors,” said Steve Robbins, police chief of Chesterfield, Mich., and a former Miami Beach police major. Robbins has testified against the Miami Police Department as an expert witness in a police shooting case. About a month after Timoney took over, he revised the policy governing when and how officers can shoot. Previously, an officer was allowed to shoot at a person who had committed a violent felony and was running away if the officer thought the subject might commit more violent crimes. Now officers can shoot only at a suspect who is threatening to kill them or someone else. They can't even shoot at people who are trying to run them over with cars -- a policy Timoney said is one of the strictest in the country. Miami-Dade and Miami Beach are among the local departments that allow officers to shoot at cars if the driver is trying to hit them. Miami police also are forbidden to put their fingers on the trigger until they are about to shoot. Timoney credits shooting-range Sgt. Armando Valdez with the reform. “'What this guy was able to demonstrate... is that there's no discernable difference whether you have your finger on the trigger or off the trigger,” Timoney said. ‘Cops say, ‘Well, I need that split second.’ You don't.” SIMULATOR TRAINING Better equipment also has prevented shootings, Timoney said. About 325 Miami officers now are equipped with Tasers, which they can use instead of a gun. In addition, officers are trained on a new simulator that gives them a variety of situations to confront, including ones in which the correct response is not to shoot or to use only pepper spray or a Taser. “I focus in the training that even if you're justified using the Taser, pepper spray or deadly force, that doesn't mean you have to,” training Sgt. Richard Gentry said. After completing training in the simulators, Gentry said, “We challenge them. Why did you use the Taser? Justify why you did. Why did you use deadly force? Justify why you did.” Timoney recognizes that the decline may have happened in part because officers have become a little gun-shy in the wake of the indictments. “That's always a concern,” he said. “I saw it happen in New York City... I don't know if you could argue that the indictments are still having a hangover effect, but I wouldn't be surprised.'' In fact, Timoney learned of two cases in which officers used Tasers when he thought they should have fired their guns. Afterward, he spoke to everyone at roll call, urging them not to be afraid to defend themselves. One final factor could simply be luck. Magnusson is confident that sooner or later an officer will be forced to shoot someone. “The department has been very lucky,” he said, “especially with the amount of weapons we retrieve on the street, the amount of guns that are out there, that we haven't had that happen recently.”   POLICE SHOOTINGS Aug. 03, 2004 A Herald investigation in 2001 and 2002 found that in the Miami Police Department, an average of one officer in every 67 shot at someone each year from 1990 to 2001. Miami-Dade police had an average of one shooting incident for every 184 officers each of those years. Since Jan. 1, 2003:  • Miami-Dade police, who number almost three times Miami's force, have shot 13 people, killing six. Figures were not available for how many suspects were shot at in total.  • Miami Beach police, who number about a third of Miami's department, have shot at three, killing one.  • Miami police have not shot at anyone.   Source: Miami Police Stats provided by Sgt. Richard Gentry in January 2004. Source: Miami Herald Officers haven't fired shot in months The Miami Police Department, once plagued by an abundance of shootings, has not pulled the trigger in 19 months. Police brass credit new rules and training. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@herald.com on Aug. 03, 2004 Miami police officers, who once had a reputation for being trigger-happy cowboys, haven't fired on a single person in 19 months. That's a dramatic change. Miami officers shot at people an average of 15 times a year from 1990 to 2001, killing 33 of them. Police Chief John Timoney said better training, new equipment that gives officers alternatives to firing their guns and a tightened policy governing when officers can shoot all have helped lower the number of shootings. It signals a shift in the department's culture, some say. “I'm very proud this department is shedding a Wild West mentality,” said Lt. David Magnusson, who runs an undercover squad that spends most of its time in some of Miami's most dangerous neighborhoods. Department leaders “revamped the deadly-force policy and they're beating into your head, letting you know what's expected of you, what's not expected of you,” Magnusson said. CRITICS PLEASED The department's critics hailed the decline in shootings as vindication for their earlier complaints. “I think it shows that all the protesting that we've done and the arm twisting and everything has paid off,” said Max Rameau, a community activist. “I think this kind of vindicates us that we were right and they were out of control.” A Herald investigation in 2001 and 2002 into the police department's record of shootings found lax oversight and poor investigations after shootings. In 2001, the federal government took notice of Miami's shooting history, indicting 13 officers on charges that they conspired to cover up questionable shootings by planting guns near the victims or lying about the circumstances of the shootings. Ultimately, nine officers were convicted or pleaded guilty; four were acquitted. Some give Timoney -- who took over as chief in January 2003 -- much of the credit for turning the department around. “[He] is a very strong leader who is introducing a new set of values to the city of Miami… Those values include more accountability and the responsibility of supervisors,” said Steve Robbins, police chief of Chesterfield, Mich., and a former Miami Beach police major. Robbins has testified against the Miami Police Department as an expert witness in a police shooting case. About a month after Timoney took over, he revised the policy governing when and how officers can shoot. Previously, an officer was allowed to shoot at a person who had committed a violent felony and was running away if the officer thought the subject might commit more violent crimes. Now officers can shoot only at a suspect who is threatening to kill them or someone else. They can't even shoot at people who are trying to run them over with cars -- a policy Timoney said is one of the strictest in the country. Miami-Dade and Miami Beach are among the local departments that allow officers to shoot at cars if the driver is trying to hit them. Miami police also are forbidden to put their fingers on the trigger until they are about to shoot. Timoney credits shooting-range Sgt. Armando Valdez with the reform. “'What this guy was able to demonstrate... is that there's no discernable difference whether you have your finger on the trigger or off the trigger,” Timoney said. ‘Cops say, ‘Well, I need that split second.’ You don't.” SIMULATOR TRAINING Better equipment also has prevented shootings, Timoney said. About 325 Miami officers now are equipped with Tasers, which they can use instead of a gun. In addition, officers are trained on a new simulator that gives them a variety of situations to confront, including ones in which the correct response is not to shoot or to use only pepper spray or a Taser. “I focus in the training that even if you're justified using the Taser, pepper spray or deadly force, that doesn't mean you have to,” training Sgt. Richard Gentry said. After completing training in the simulators, Gentry said, “We challenge them. Why did you use the Taser? Justify why you did. Why did you use deadly force? Justify why you did.” Timoney recognizes that the decline may have happened in part because officers have become a little gun-shy in the wake of the indictments. “That's always a concern,” he said. “I saw it happen in New York City... I don't know if you could argue that the indictments are still having a hangover effect, but I wouldn't be surprised.'' In fact, Timoney learned of two cases in which officers used Tasers when he thought they should have fired their guns. Afterward, he spoke to everyone at roll call, urging them not to be afraid to defend themselves. One final factor could simply be luck. Magnusson is confident that sooner or later an officer will be forced to shoot someone. “The department has been very lucky,” he said, “especially with the amount of weapons we retrieve on the street, the amount of guns that are out there, that we haven't had that happen recently.”   POLICE SHOOTINGS Aug. 03, 2004 A Herald investigation in 2001 and 2002 found that in the Miami Police Department, an average of one officer in every 67 shot at someone each year from 1990 to 2001. Miami-Dade police had an average of one shooting incident for every 184 officers each of those years. Since Jan. 1, 2003:  • Miami-Dade police, who number almost three times Miami's force, have shot 13 people, killing six. Figures were not available for how many suspects were shot at in total.  • Miami Beach police, who number about a third of Miami's department, have shot at three, killing one.  • Miami police have not shot at anyone.  

104. El Paso PD TXField Results Statistical Source: Managing Security Today, the official magazine of the Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas on May 2007. “The TASER Issue,” by Richard Wiles, El Paso Chief. Source: Assaults on police officers decrease Tasers are credited for drop Tammy Fonce-Olivas El Paso Times Monday, February 20, 2006 In 2002, when most officers did not carry Tasers, the department reported 506 assaults on police officers, according to police records. In 2003, when just about every officer carried a Taser, assaults on officers dropped to 378. By 2004, the department was reporting just fewer than 300 assaults on officers. The number of assaults for 2005 was not available, but police officials said they should be about equal to or fewer than the 298 assaults reported in 2004.              Statistical Source: Managing Security Today, the official magazine of the Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas on May 2007. “The TASER Issue,” by Richard Wiles, El Paso Chief. Source: Assaults on police officers decrease Tasers are credited for drop

105. Houston PD TX Usage Source 1: City of Houston letter from Craig Ferrell, Jr. General Counsel Deputy Director, Houston Police dated 1/14/2007 sent to Amnesty International. Source 2: Dec. 20, 2006, 10:51PMHPD's Hurtt says a Taser ban a bad ideaBy KEVIN MORAN, Houston Chronicle Mayor Bill White's call for a statistical analysis of how Houston police use Taser stun guns is a good idea but a moratorium on using the controversial devices is not, Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said today. State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, said he plans to file a bill in the next legislature that some fear would prevent continued police use of TASERs. "I think that's a mistake," Hurtt said. "Our officers have used them to reduce injuries to officers as well as to citizens on the street. What that would do is take away an option that officers have now in the level of use of force." If Coleman files a bill that would ban Taser use, Hurtt said he will fight it "by going up and making my position known at the state level." Coleman said today he hasn't written a Taser bill yet. He said it might or might not seek to cut off police Taser use. "My legislative intent is to come up with a real policy that will protect police and citizens," Coleman said. "Clearly, there's a disproportionate use of TASERs not only in the city of Houston but in the country in general." Coleman maintained that current policies on TASERs in Houston and other places are too loose, allowing use of the devices in particular against mentally ill people when stunning is not justified. White called for a study after the city received repeated complaints that TASERs are deployed disproportionately on black citizens. The call was prompted in part by the Nov. 14 use of a Taser on Houston Texans lineman Fred Weary after police said he "became verbally combative and extremely argumentative" during a traffic stop. Weary, 29, denied any wrongdoing and a judge later dismissed charges of resisting arrest. Hurt said his department has a good Taser-use policy. TASERs were used 892 times between December 2004 and October 2006. In 39 instances, officers involved would have been justified in pulling a gun and shooting someone instead of stunning them, Hurtt said. Prohibiting officers from using TASERs could force them to resort to deadly force when a Taser could prevent someone's death, Hurtt said. Hurtt said he plans to commission a study of the department's use of TASERs since it began in December 2004 "as soon as possible." The department already is trying to identify researchers at universities across the nation who have studied Taser use. "We want to make sure that we have people with the appropriate expertise." kevin.moran@chron.comSource 1: City of Houston letter from Craig Ferrell, Jr. General Counsel Deputy Director, Houston Police dated 1/14/2007 sent to Amnesty International. Source 2: Dec. 20, 2006, 10:51PMHPD's Hurtt says a Taser ban a bad ideaBy KEVIN MORAN, Houston Chronicle Mayor Bill White's call for a statistical analysis of how Houston police use Taser stun guns is a good idea but a moratorium on using the controversial devices is not, Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said today. State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, said he plans to file a bill in the next legislature that some fear would prevent continued police use of TASERs. "I think that's a mistake," Hurtt said. "Our officers have used them to reduce injuries to officers as well as to citizens on the street. What that would do is take away an option that officers have now in the level of use of force." If Coleman files a bill that would ban Taser use, Hurtt said he will fight it "by going up and making my position known at the state level." Coleman said today he hasn't written a Taser bill yet. He said it might or might not seek to cut off police Taser use. "My legislative intent is to come up with a real policy that will protect police and citizens," Coleman said. "Clearly, there's a disproportionate use of TASERs not only in the city of Houston but in the country in general." Coleman maintained that current policies on TASERs in Houston and other places are too loose, allowing use of the devices in particular against mentally ill people when stunning is not justified. White called for a study after the city received repeated complaints that TASERs are deployed disproportionately on black citizens. The call was prompted in part by the Nov. 14 use of a Taser on Houston Texans lineman Fred Weary after police said he "became verbally combative and extremely argumentative" during a traffic stop. Weary, 29, denied any wrongdoing and a judge later dismissed charges of resisting arrest. Hurt said his department has a good Taser-use policy. TASERs were used 892 times between December 2004 and October 2006. In 39 instances, officers involved would have been justified in pulling a gun and shooting someone instead of stunning them, Hurtt said. Prohibiting officers from using TASERs could force them to resort to deadly force when a Taser could prevent someone's death, Hurtt said. Hurtt said he plans to commission a study of the department's use of TASERs since it began in December 2004 "as soon as possible." The department already is trying to identify researchers at universities across the nation who have studied Taser use. "We want to make sure that we have people with the appropriate expertise." kevin.moran@chron.com

106. Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.

107. Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.

108. Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.Source: Police defend increased Taser use Comments 30 | Recommend 3 February 08, 2009 06:00:00 AM By JON MILTIMORE / News Herald Writer Source: http://www.newsherald.com/news/used_71678___article.html/tasers_right.html PANAMA CITY, FL -- Tasers are being used with increasing frequency to subdue criminal suspects, according to statistics, and local officials are defending the use of the weapons. Tasers resemble a plastic handgun, but instead of firing bullets, twin steel barbs shoot out, delivering electric current. "It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used at the right time, under the right conditions," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. "It protects both officers and suspects."  Local law enforcement officers said the stun guns are misunderstood by the public, noting that all officers carrying Tasers have been tased themselves. They say the 0.004 amps administered is not a dangerous amount and is a preferred non-lethal deterrent to the night-stick or pepper spray. "These guys have to show up in some rough places and face people who more often than not don't want them there," McKeithen said. "Putting on that uniform doesn't make these guys Superman." On Dec. 20, Panama City Beach police and a BCSO deputy responded to a knife fight. According to police reports, a Beach officer arrived and saw a deputy confronting two men and a naked woman "covered in blood." The officer drew his X26 Taser and told the woman "to lie face down on the ground or she would be tased." The woman complied. After the deputy entered the house, the woman allegedly rolled onto her rear, kicked at the officer and made a sound in her throat as if preparing to spit. The officer deployed his X26 Taser, striking the suspect with two probes "in the sternum and her left thigh," and delivering a 5-second shock. After a third officer arrived to assist, the woman attempted to flee, the report states, and the officer "again administered a 5-second stun to (the victim) and she went back to the ground." When the woman refused to give officers her arm, she was threatened with a third shock. She complied and was arrested on a charge of resisting arrest without violence, authorities reported. Such scenarios can lead to awkward headlines, officials admit, but they emphasized the context of arrests matter, and struggling with a bloody person resisting arrest poses risks.  "You're asking an officer to expose himself to additional harm," said PCBPD Maj. David Humphreys. "You don't know the history of these people, or what they may be carrying."   More data needed The number of times Tasers have been used has nearly doubled the last two years, up from 42 occurrences in 2006, to 80 in 2008, according to statistics from the BCSO, PCPD and PCBPD. FSU criminology professor Bill Doerner said increased Taser use is a trend likely to continue. "Previous generations often hired police officers for brawn more than brains," Doerner said. "As police forces diversify, people they will need more tools because they are often at a physical disadvantage." The Taser also has its critics. Misuses of the weapon have sparked controversy among Internet and television audiences. Civil liberty organizations condemn the Taser and a United Nations committee declared them a form of torture in 2007. An Amnesty International report released in December 2008 claimed 334 people have died after being tased since 2001. About 80 percent of those victims died unarmed, the report says, including Nicholas Cody of Marianna. In June, Cody, 27, was pulled over in Alabama for not wearing his seat belt. Police said Cody resisted arrest on outstanding warrants and was tased three times. An Alabama medical examiner determined Cody died because of a fatal illness related to cocaine. Taser International has long maintained the Taser has not been cited as the primary cause of death in a single case. Doerner says the voltage discharged by Tasers is low enough as to not inflict system damage on a person, but existing health conditions or the presence of drugs in a person's system could change that. He says a dearth of independent scholarship has made it difficult to accurately gage the affects of Tasers. "Tasers are relatively new in the market. It takes time to gather data and build up a sufficient number of relevant cases," Doerner said. "I think it is fair to say we are still learning what all the affects are."   Saving lives Law enforcement agencies customarily have policies requiring officers to file additional reports when force is used. Any time a Taser is drawn or deployed, a board reviews the actions, officials all three local departments says. BCSO statistics show that of the 426 times deputies filed use-of-force reports since August 2005, 63 were Taser-related. "That is less than 15 percent," said Capt. Steve Harbuck. Harbuck says that in six of those 63 Taser uses, "deadly force" would have been appropriate, and in two other cases, subjects were tased while threatening to commit suicide. "You could say that eight of those deployments saved lives," he said. Harbuck said BCSO polices itself "very closely," particularly on issues of force. He pointed to two officers who were reprimanded for excessive use of Tasers. One of those officers was transferred to a separate division for deploying his Taser "five or six times" on a suspect. The other officer was suspended one month without pay for administering his weapon eight times on a suspect, Harbuck said. Both officers are still employed at the BCSO. "In most cases it takes one deployment to subdue someone," Harbuck said,  adding that individual tolerance to the weapon can vary.   Keeping close tabs When to use a Taser on a suspect depends on department protocols. Sheriff McKeithen said he was not satisfied with the BCSO policy and had it rewritten to make them more difficult to use. PCPD Dep. Chief Joe Hall said his department acted similarly, changing its policy on Taser use in 2006 by placing the weapon further down on its "use-of-force continuum" scale.  "There is the ability to abuse them...there will be times when officers don't do everything to the letter of the law," Hall said. "The key is, are you keeping tabs on things and are you looking for inaccuracies?" Hall said collecting and analyzing reports and data helps departments locate abuses. Since 2005, PCPD has used Tasers in 85 uses of force instances, about 34 percent of its use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no Panama City police officer has been judged to have used force improperly. This includes a 2006 incident involving Robert King of Okaloosa County.

109. Spencer PD IA 3 Year Review Source: Lawson gives city council Taser update Saturday, February 7, 2009 Source: http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1499993.html By Russ Mitchell, Daily Reporter Staff  (File Photo) Members of the Spencer Police Department first received Taser training in January of 2006. The deterrent is bright yellow in color to allow subjects to determine the difference between the Taser and the officer's handgun. Mark Lawson wonders about all of the tackles, dislocated joints, sprained ankles and blown-out knees that have been avoided by Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle. The Spencer Police Chief gave city council members his annual update about Taser use Monday night at Spencer City Hall. The city purchased eight Tasers in 2006 under the previous police chief Michael Lashbrook's administration. Lawson has maintained the program, with 12 Tasers added through fundraising efforts in the past two years. 'When I started 32 years ago, it would have been nice to have it then," Lawson said. Since the program began, officers have turned on the weapon and pointed it at a subject 36 times. In 26 instances, the shining red guide dot was enough to get the citizen to comply. "It's not necessarily for just people," Lawson said. "We've had to fight off a pit bull that attacked one of the officers a year ago and stopped the dog in its tracks. But again, that's better than shooting the dog." Officers have had to fire the Taser 10 times in three years after "red-dotting" the suspect. The incidents involved: A home invasion when the suspect is in a closet and tried to attack officers when confronted; Two domestic abuse situations when the suspects failed to comply and threatened to retrieve a weapon; A bar fight; Two foot pursuits following an officer's intervention at disturbance calls; Two suspects who became unruly after stops for operating while intoxicated; An incident of resisting arrest and; The pit bull attack on an officer.  "We're very happy with it," Lawson said. "We have had no issues in terms of serious injuries to anybody that's been 'Tase'd.'" The Taser has all but replaced pepper spray as a deterrent in the city of Spencer, according to the police chief. "As those pepper spray canisters have expired, I have not replaced them," he said. "We only have a couple of officers left with valid pepper spray. Once that is gone, it is phased out. " Tasers are only deployed after officers have exhausted other options. They first try to gain control of a situation through verbal persuasion. A "light" hands-on approach is the next step if compliance is not gained. A heavier hands-on approach is the next step to get a situation under control. An officer's next option is Taser use, followed by the baton. Deadly force is the last option and comes into play when a firearm or edge weapon poses a risk to someone's life. A Taser can administer 50,000 volts when discharged, but usually less than 400 volts actually gets delivered to the suspect. Each Taser costs $860. The cartridges are $25 and its cost can be reimbursed through a court order. Source: Lawson gives city council Taser update Saturday, February 7, 2009 Source: http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1499993.html By Russ Mitchell, Daily Reporter Staff  (File Photo) Members of the Spencer Police Department first received Taser training in January of 2006. The deterrent is bright yellow in color to allow subjects to determine the difference between the Taser and the officer's handgun. Mark Lawson wonders about all of the tackles, dislocated joints, sprained ankles and blown-out knees that have been avoided by Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle. The Spencer Police Chief gave city council members his annual update about Taser use Monday night at Spencer City Hall. The city purchased eight Tasers in 2006 under the previous police chief Michael Lashbrook's administration. Lawson has maintained the program, with 12 Tasers added through fundraising efforts in the past two years. 'When I started 32 years ago, it would have been nice to have it then," Lawson said. Since the program began, officers have turned on the weapon and pointed it at a subject 36 times. In 26 instances, the shining red guide dot was enough to get the citizen to comply. "It's not necessarily for just people," Lawson said. "We've had to fight off a pit bull that attacked one of the officers a year ago and stopped the dog in its tracks. But again, that's better than shooting the dog." Officers have had to fire the Taser 10 times in three years after "red-dotting" the suspect. The incidents involved: A home invasion when the suspect is in a closet and tried to attack officers when confronted; Two domestic abuse situations when the suspects failed to comply and threatened to retrieve a weapon; A bar fight; Two foot pursuits following an officer's intervention at disturbance calls; Two suspects who became unruly after stops for operating while intoxicated; An incident of resisting arrest and; The pit bull attack on an officer.  "We're very happy with it," Lawson said. "We have had no issues in terms of serious injuries to anybody that's been 'Tase'd.'" The Taser has all but replaced pepper spray as a deterrent in the city of Spencer, according to the police chief. "As those pepper spray canisters have expired, I have not replaced them," he said. "We only have a couple of officers left with valid pepper spray. Once that is gone, it is phased out. " Tasers are only deployed after officers have exhausted other options. They first try to gain control of a situation through verbal persuasion. A "light" hands-on approach is the next step if compliance is not gained. A heavier hands-on approach is the next step to get a situation under control. An officer's next option is Taser use, followed by the baton. Deadly force is the last option and comes into play when a firearm or edge weapon poses a risk to someone's life. A Taser can administer 50,000 volts when discharged, but usually less than 400 volts actually gets delivered to the suspect. Each Taser costs $860. The cartridges are $25 and its cost can be reimbursed through a court order.

110. Sherburne Co Sheriffs MNDeadly Force Incidents Source: Captain: Taser has prevented potential use of deadly force By David Unze dunze@stcloudtimes.com Published: January 15. 2008 12:30AM BECKER — A Becker man escaped potentially deadly injuries early Saturday when deputies used a Taser to subdue him as he stood about 10 feet away waving a knife, officials said. It's the third time in the past 18 months that Sherburne deputies have used Tasers to subdue a suspect who had a deadly weapon and didn't comply with officers' commands. The most recent incident happened at about 2 a.m. Saturday on 150th Avenue near 105th Street in Becker Township, according to sheriff's office Capt. Joel Brott. He credited the use of the Taser for bringing under control a situation that could have turned out much worse had officers not been equipped with the devices. Deputies were called to the residence on a report that a man was out of control. Deputies arrived and saw Steven Lindbom, 22, of Becker throwing furniture and kitchen items around the house, Brott said. Deputies repeatedly ordered Lindbom to calm down, and he didn't, Brott said. Lindbom then grabbed a large knife and started waving it around, Brott said. A deputy then used a Taser to subdue Lindbom, who was taken to the hospital for treatment and then to jail. "He was within 10 feet of the officers when he picked up the knife and waved it around," Brott said. If officers didn't have Tasers, and if Lindbom had come at the officers, deadly force would have been an appropriate response, Brott said. The two other cases involved suspects who had firearms and refused officers' commands, he said. "We've brought all three of those incidents to resolution without having to use deadly force," Brott said. Source 2: http://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/sheriff/services/patrol.htm “The uniformed patrol division consists of 1 Captain, 5 sergeants, and 23 deputies who operate on rotating, 12-hour shifts.  The department expects to handle approximately 42,491 calls for service in 2007. “ Source: Captain: Taser has prevented potential use of deadly force By David Unze dunze@stcloudtimes.com Published: January 15. 2008 12:30AM BECKER — A Becker man escaped potentially deadly injuries early Saturday when deputies used a Taser to subdue him as he stood about 10 feet away waving a knife, officials said. It's the third time in the past 18 months that Sherburne deputies have used Tasers to subdue a suspect who had a deadly weapon and didn't comply with officers' commands. The most recent incident happened at about 2 a.m. Saturday on 150th Avenue near 105th Street in Becker Township, according to sheriff's office Capt. Joel Brott. He credited the use of the Taser for bringing under control a situation that could have turned out much worse had officers not been equipped with the devices. Deputies were called to the residence on a report that a man was out of control. Deputies arrived and saw Steven Lindbom, 22, of Becker throwing furniture and kitchen items around the house, Brott said. Deputies repeatedly ordered Lindbom to calm down, and he didn't, Brott said. Lindbom then grabbed a large knife and started waving it around, Brott said. A deputy then used a Taser to subdue Lindbom, who was taken to the hospital for treatment and then to jail. "He was within 10 feet of the officers when he picked up the knife and waved it around," Brott said. If officers didn't have Tasers, and if Lindbom had come at the officers, deadly force would have been an appropriate response, Brott said. The two other cases involved suspects who had firearms and refused officers' commands, he said. "We've brought all three of those incidents to resolution without having to use deadly force," Brott said. Source 2: http://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/sheriff/services/patrol.htm “The uniformed patrol division consists of 1 Captain, 5 sergeants, and 23 deputies who operate on rotating, 12-hour shifts.  The department expects to handle approximately 42,491 calls for service in 2007. “

111. Source: Incidents provided by Dallas Police Media RelationsSource: Incidents provided by Dallas Police Media Relations

112. Source: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD. These numbers are a review of the 716 Use of Force reports generated in ILEADS from 12-17-2005 to time of data collection (6-29-07). This was done by reading each report and supporting supplement to determine the lethality potential, based on the totality of the circumstances reported. These are very conservative numbers as it could be said “the subject complied with the officers, possibly as a result of the chance of a TASER deployment, and thus the TASER saved the day” . We have received numerous reports of subjects complying once they observed an officer at the scene with a TASER; in these cases there was no need for force as the mere presence of a Taser was enough to sway the battle. We have received numerous reports from patrol officers about subjects known to fight, evade and challenge officers who did not do so because there was a TASER at the scene.”Source: TASER Productivity Analysis, July 10, 2007, TASER TAC Conference Chicago, IL PowerPoint Presentation by ELPD. These numbers are a review of the 716 Use of Force reports generated in ILEADS from 12-17-2005 to time of data collection (6-29-07). This was done by reading each report and supporting supplement to determine the lethality potential, based on the totality of the circumstances reported. These are very conservative numbers as it could be said “the subject complied with the officers, possibly as a result of the chance of a TASER deployment, and thus the TASER saved the day” . We have received numerous reports of subjects complying once they observed an officer at the scene with a TASER; in these cases there was no need for force as the mere presence of a Taser was enough to sway the battle. We have received numerous reports from patrol officers about subjects known to fight, evade and challenge officers who did not do so because there was a TASER at the scene.”

113. Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20080923-decree-authorises-use-taser-stun-gun-french-local-police-france Decree authorises use of Tasers by French local police Tuesday 23 September 2008 France's 20,000 municipal police officers will join the country's national police in using the controversial Taser stun guns after a decree published Tuesday gave them the green light, despite protests from human rights groups. Tuesday 23 September 2008 By AFP  France's 20,000 local police officers will be able to carry Taser stun guns under a decree published Tuesday, despite calls from human rights groups for the weapon's use to be suspended. Municipal officers will join the national police and gendarmes in using the weapon, which packs a 50,000-volt punch that can paralyse targets from up to 10 yards (meters) away, and is intended as an alternative to handguns. Local mayors will have to apply for individual permits for each officer, who will have to receive a Taser blast as part of their training, under the decree published in the government's official gazette. Many officials see it as a safer alternative to the handgun, which local officers have been authorised to carry since 2000. According to the head of Taser France, Antoine Di Zazzo, 346 mayors have expressed an interest in the newest Taser X26 model, which has a built-in camera to record the scene each time it’s used. To date, 4,615 Tasers have been issued to France's national police and gendarme force. They were used 280 times last year without causing serious injury, cutting handgun use by 15 percent, according to police chiefs. But France's opposition Socialist Party is firmly opposed to rolling out the Taser to local police. Amnesty International says that more than 290 people have died around the world after being zapped with a Taser and is demanding a moratorium on the weapon's use while a full investigation is conducted. Taser France says the figures do not apply to the Taser X26 model. A United Nations committee ruled in November last year that the Taser's use constitutes "a form of torture" which can result in death. The UN criticism followed a string of deaths in the United States and Canada that occurred after police used Tasers to subdue people, including a Polish man who was filmed dying after being stunned at Vancouver airport. Taser responded by saying the UN committee was "out of touch with modern policing". NOTE MORE RECENT ARTICLE STATS 30% Alliot-Marie défend l'utilisation du Taser Source : AFP20/10/2008 | Mise à jour : 16:51 | . "L'utilisation" du Taser s'est "traduite par une diminution de 30% du nombre de cas d'usage des armes à feu" par les forces de l'ordre, a indiqué la semaine dernière au Sénat Michèle Alliot-Marie, selon le compte-rendu de son audition rendu public aujourd'hui. (TRANSLATION: The usage Taser is itself, "The use of the Taser translates into a 30% reduction in use of firearms,” by the order forces, indicated last week to the Senate Michèle alliot-marie, according to the report of his hearing made public today. )La ministre de l'Intérieur a été auditionnée jeudi dernier par la commission des Affaires étrangères et de la Défense sur le projet de loi de la gendarmerie devant être examiné par le Parlement avant l'intégration de la gendarmerie à l'Intérieur au 1er janvier 2009. La question de l'armement des forces de l'ordre lui a ainsi été posée dans ce cadre.Antoine Di Zazzo, patron de SMP Technologies qui commercialise le Taser en France, a été mis en examen la semaine dernière dans l'affaire d'espionnage présumée d'Olivier Besancenot, porte-parole de la LCR, en compagnie de trois policiers, un douanier et deux détectives. Poursuivi par Taser France pour avoir affirmé que ce pistolet à impulsion électrique avait fait des morts, M. Besancenot comparaissait cet après-midi devant le tribunal de Paris. Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20080923-decree-authorises-use-taser-stun-gun-french-local-police-france Decree authorises use of Tasers by French local police Tuesday 23 September 2008 France's 20,000 municipal police officers will join the country's national police in using the controversial Taser stun guns after a decree published Tuesday gave them the green light, despite protests from human rights groups. Tuesday 23 September 2008 By AFP  France's 20,000 local police officers will be able to carry Taser stun guns under a decree published Tuesday, despite calls from human rights groups for the weapon's use to be suspended. Municipal officers will join the national police and gendarmes in using the weapon, which packs a 50,000-volt punch that can paralyse targets from up to 10 yards (meters) away, and is intended as an alternative to handguns. Local mayors will have to apply for individual permits for each officer, who will have to receive a Taser blast as part of their training, under the decree published in the government's official gazette. Many officials see it as a safer alternative to the handgun, which local officers have been authorised to carry since 2000. According to the head of Taser France, Antoine Di Zazzo, 346 mayors have expressed an interest in the newest Taser X26 model, which has a built-in camera to record the scene each time it’s used. To date, 4,615 Tasers have been issued to France's national police and gendarme force. They were used 280 times last year without causing serious injury, cutting handgun use by 15 percent, according to police chiefs. But France's opposition Socialist Party is firmly opposed to rolling out the Taser to local police. Amnesty International says that more than 290 people have died around the world after being zapped with a Taser and is demanding a moratorium on the weapon's use while a full investigation is conducted. Taser France says the figures do not apply to the Taser X26 model. A United Nations committee ruled in November last year that the Taser's use constitutes "a form of torture" which can result in death. The UN criticism followed a string of deaths in the United States and Canada that occurred after police used Tasers to subdue people, including a Polish man who was filmed dying after being stunned at Vancouver airport. Taser responded by saying the UN committee was "out of touch with modern policing". NOTE MORE RECENT ARTICLE STATS 30% Alliot-Marie défend l'utilisation du Taser Source : AFP20/10/2008 | Mise à jour : 16:51 | . "L'utilisation" du Taser s'est "traduite par une diminution de 30% du nombre de cas d'usage des armes à feu" par les forces de l'ordre, a indiqué la semaine dernière au Sénat Michèle Alliot-Marie, selon le compte-rendu de son audition rendu public aujourd'hui. (TRANSLATION: The usage Taser is itself, "The use of the Taser translates into a 30% reduction in use of firearms,” by the order forces, indicated last week to the Senate Michèle alliot-marie, according to the report of his hearing made public today. )

115. 3 Element plan included: Modifications to their booking area, Additional defensive driving training and vehicle modifications Addition of the TASER M26 During the first 12 months of their TASER program: No lost time has been claimed as a result of officer combat No officer injuries have been incurred as a result of direct engagement with combative subjects TASER M26 was used 75 times Used in 5 cell extrications Used to prevent 3 suicide by cop situations3 Element plan included: Modifications to their booking area, Additional defensive driving training and vehicle modifications Addition of the TASER M26 During the first 12 months of their TASER program: No lost time has been claimed as a result of officer combat No officer injuries have been incurred as a result of direct engagement with combative subjects TASER M26 was used 75 times Used in 5 cell extrications Used to prevent 3 suicide by cop situations

116. Wichita Police Dept KS Workers Comp Comparison 2005-2007 Actual injuries involving physical altercations dropped 45.8% in a one-year period after implementing the TASER ECD and 28.21% during the second year of TASER ECD deployment. Source: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Two Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn Source: Wichita Police Department Taser Deployment Year Two Presented by Lt. Kevin Vaughn

117. Houston Police Dept TXWorkers Comp Expenses TASER ECDs deployed 1,332 times since Dec 2004 as of Sept 2007 In that time, Workers Comp costs dropped from $2.2 million in 2004, to $738,000 in 2006 HPD credits this to the drop in the number of physical confrontations officers had with unarmed suspects in that time Source: http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou070912_tj_tasers.cae5080f.html Houston buys more Tasers 10:46 PM CDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 KHOU.com staff report The Houston Police Department’s goal of equipping every officer with a Taser is coming closer to reality. On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved a $1.8 million extension to the city’s contract with Taser International. According to numbers provided by the Houston Police Department, officers have deployed the Tasers 1,332 times since the devices were first used in December of 2004. In that time, the department says, workers compensation costs have dropped from $2.2 million in 2004, to $738,000 in 2006. The Department credits the change to a drop in the number of physical confrontations officers have had with unarmed suspects in that time.Source: http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou070912_tj_tasers.cae5080f.html Houston buys more Tasers 10:46 PM CDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 KHOU.com staff report The Houston Police Department’s goal of equipping every officer with a Taser is coming closer to reality. On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved a $1.8 million extension to the city’s contract with Taser International. According to numbers provided by the Houston Police Department, officers have deployed the Tasers 1,332 times since the devices were first used in December of 2004. In that time, the department says, workers compensation costs have dropped from $2.2 million in 2004, to $738,000 in 2006. The Department credits the change to a drop in the number of physical confrontations officers have had with unarmed suspects in that time.

118. New South Wales AustraliaWorkers Comp Expenses Affected by Officer Assaults New South Wales Police (NSW) anticipates 1140 less officer assaults based on Western Australia Police experiencing a 40% drop in officer assaults when all officers were issued TASER ECDs NSW Workers Comp covered 2,842 claims 2007-08 with 2,855 NSW officers assaulted that cost $84,000,000. Workers Comp now increasing 25% the next year. Source 1: “Working Smarter. The Police Association of NSW plan to fund the 2009 award”, pgs 3-4. Source 2: Police Association of NSW Circular No 18, 14 June 2009 Press Statement re Tasers Members are advised that the following press statement was released today in response to media reports of the decision by Government to expand the issue of Tasers to all front line police. We have not been provided with details of the proposal and have sought that the Government fully consult regarding the rollout. Nevertheless the announcement represents a significant breakthrough in the campaign by your Association for this equipment to be issued. In particular it represents a positive response to the launch last week of our savings plan to fund the salary increases without trade offs. It is critical that members now assist by lobbying your local politicians via the www.keepourcops.org.au web site to ensure the savings generated by this initiative are used to fund the pay round. Statement Police have today welcomed the announcement that all frontline police will be provided with Tasers but say the financial savings of the move must be channelled into back into community protection. Police Association of NSW President Bob Pritchard said the move will save the lives. “It’s great that the Premier has stepped up and done what’s right for both police and the community. It will l mean fewer families will lose loved ones and fewer police will have to live with the knowledge that they have taken a life." Mr Pritchard said providing police with Tasers will also help dramatically decrease the number of assaults on police officers. "More than 3,000 assaults are committed on police each year. Providing police with Tasers will cut that number by as much as half.” "The move will save the State Government more than $93 million per annum in workers compensation costs alone - money that must be channelled straight back into policing as part of current wage negotiations. On top this, there will big savings from fewer Coroner’s Court Hearings and investigations." "It’s pleasing that the Government have taken heed of at least one part of the Working Smarter submission we presented them with last week.” “The benefits of this announcement are enormous. Not only will lives be saved, but it also means the State Government can move away from its plans to strip police of vital conditions such as protection for injured officers as a means of saving money to fund police pay. This is a great move, but now it’s crucial that the government directs the money saved straight back into policing and not into government coffers.” “Too many officers who have served on the frontline know what it’s like to have to discharge their firearm, knowing that it could cost someone’s life. Up until today they’ve had no choice but now they’ll have another option available to them.” Bob Pritchard President www.keepourcops.org.auSource 1: “Working Smarter. The Police Association of NSW plan to fund the 2009 award”, pgs 3-4. Source 2: Police Association of NSW Circular No 18, 14 June 2009 Press Statement re Tasers Members are advised that the following press statement was released today in response to media reports of the decision by Government to expand the issue of Tasers to all front line police. We have not been provided with details of the proposal and have sought that the Government fully consult regarding the rollout. Nevertheless the announcement represents a significant breakthrough in the campaign by your Association for this equipment to be issued. In particular it represents a positive response to the launch last week of our savings plan to fund the salary increases without trade offs. It is critical that members now assist by lobbying your local politicians via the www.keepourcops.org.au web site to ensure the savings generated by this initiative are used to fund the pay round. Statement Police have today welcomed the announcement that all frontline police will be provided with Tasers but say the financial savings of the move must be channelled into back into community protection. Police Association of NSW President Bob Pritchard said the move will save the lives. “It’s great that the Premier has stepped up and done what’s right for both police and the community. It will l mean fewer families will lose loved ones and fewer police will have to live with the knowledge that they have taken a life." Mr Pritchard said providing police with Tasers will also help dramatically decrease the number of assaults on police officers. "More than 3,000 assaults are committed on police each year. Providing police with Tasers will cut that number by as much as half.” "The move will save the State Government more than $93 million per annum in workers compensation costs alone - money that must be channelled straight back into policing as part of current wage negotiations. On top this, there will big savings from fewer Coroner’s Court Hearings and investigations." "It’s pleasing that the Government have taken heed of at least one part of the Working Smarter submission we presented them with last week.” “The benefits of this announcement are enormous. Not only will lives be saved, but it also means the State Government can move away from its plans to strip police of vital conditions such as protection for injured officers as a means of saving money to fund police pay. This is a great move, but now it’s crucial that the government directs the money saved straight back into policing and not into government coffers.” “Too many officers who have served on the frontline know what it’s like to have to discharge their firearm, knowing that it could cost someone’s life. Up until today they’ve had no choice but now they’ll have another option available to them.” Bob Pritchard President www.keepourcops.org.au

119. Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD NC Annual Workers Compensation Claims Comparing 2002 to 2004 Source: Tapping into the Taser by Detective R.M. Flagg, of Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD. Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department TASER Project First Year – Full Deployment Study May 2005 Worker’s Compensation Claims:   The City of Charlotte Risk Management Department provided a great deal of information during our initial TASER proposal in 2002. In that report, we looked at injuries sustained by officers in claims made between July 1997 and June of 2001. During this time period ‘Altercations’ was the primary claim category making up 26% of the total number of claims and 20% of the cost to the City.   In 2002, there were 87 Worker’s Compensation claims filed with Risk Management based on Altercation Injuries. In 2004, there were 60 claims. This is a 31.1% reduction in the number of claims filed by our officers. The actual dollar figures were not available at the time of this report due to the difficulty in comparing fiscal years costs to a calendar year study. Source: Tapping into the Taser by Detective R.M. Flagg, of Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD. Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department TASER Project First Year – Full Deployment Study May 2005 Worker’s Compensation Claims:   The City of Charlotte Risk Management Department provided a great deal of information during our initial TASER proposal in 2002. In that report, we looked at injuries sustained by officers in claims made between July 1997 and June of 2001. During this time period ‘Altercations’ was the primary claim category making up 26% of the total number of claims and 20% of the cost to the City.   In 2002, there were 87 Worker’s Compensation claims filed with Risk Management based on Altercation Injuries. In 2004, there were 60 claims. This is a 31.1% reduction in the number of claims filed by our officers. The actual dollar figures were not available at the time of this report due to the difficulty in comparing fiscal years costs to a calendar year study.

120. Peoria Police Dept IL Workers Compensation Claims 1st full year of TASER ECD Program Sept 2004 – Sept 2005 Source: TASERs prove effective tools Use of the guns, which Peoria department started using in 2004, reduces injury to police officers  Friday, April 27, 2007 By Leslie Fark - of the Journal Star  PEORIA, IL - It's been nicknamed "The Chair" in Peoria by those who have been shocked with it or know someone who has. "They don't like 'The Chair,'" Peoria police Sgt. Phil Fisher said. "The word's out. They know we got them." The device is a Taser, and it delivers 50,000 volts of electricity. Peoria police have been using Taser guns since starting a pilot program in September 2004. The program is now permanent, with 121 officers trained and armed with the device. Another 50 Tasers arrived earlier this month. After completing an eight-hour training course, approximately 170 officers will be carrying the 4-ounce tool at the end of the month. Over the last three years, the department has received shipments - about 50 at a time - of the less-than-lethal crime fighting tool. Deciding who got the Tasers when they arrived was easy. "We wanted them in the hands of the people that needed them the most," Fisher said. "That's your patrol officers and people who work the street." The first group of Tasers was handed out to members of the street crime and problem-orientated policing (POP) units. "They're actively involved in the worst areas of an assigned district," Fisher said. Since then, Tasers have been gradually issued to the patrol officers, which make up about 40 percent of the Police Department's force. The latest delivery of Tasers will put them in the hands of all but a few officers. Police who aren't yet armed with a Taser gun sometimes pretend they are to get compliance from an individual, Fisher said. "We got guys who don't have a Taser, never been through the (training) school chasing bad guys down the alley, saying 'Taser. Taser. Taser.' They (suspects) stop and give up," Fisher said. "The majority of the time we get compliance." Because the Tasers cost $900 each, the department applies for grants to cover the expense. Fisher said the process is time-consuming and lengthy. For example, the latest bunch of Tasers were delivered two weeks ago, but they were ordered last July. "That's the frustrating part for us because we know we have such a good tool here," Fisher said. "I still have guys who get punched in the nose and have teeth knocked out" because they're fighting with individuals. Fisher said the department will keep applying for grants when they become available with a goal to outfit nearly all of the 243 commissioned officers. The 33-member detective bureau is next on the list to get Tasers. The Taser gun can be drawn in any situation in which police feel threatened by individuals. The device also helps reduce injury to the officer and the person he or she is arresting, translating into less use of deadly force. The first year of the pilot program, the city saw a reduction of more than $180,000 in workman's compensation claims. "We have no way to prove it was due to the Taser, but we think it is," Fisher said. The Taser sends a dose of 15 electrical pulses per second for five seconds through a person's body. The jolt of electricity disrupts the body's central nervous system, leaving a person temporarily incapacitated. "It stimulates the muscles of the body so much it freezes everything up," said Fisher, who has been Tasered voluntarily. "You still breath. You can hear. You fall to the ground a lot of times and that's where most of the injuries take place." Officers used the Taser almost 215 times in 2006. About 10 percent of the time, the Taser failed, either because of a mechanical problem or not properly hitting its target. No other statistics were available.  Source: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/042707/TRI_BD23LO6F.013.php  Leslie Fark can be reached at 686-3188 or lfark@pjstar.com. Source: TASERs prove effective tools Use of the guns, which Peoria department started using in 2004, reduces injury to police officers  Friday, April 27, 2007 By Leslie Fark - of the Journal Star  PEORIA, IL - It's been nicknamed "The Chair" in Peoria by those who have been shocked with it or know someone who has. "They don't like 'The Chair,'" Peoria police Sgt. Phil Fisher said. "The word's out. They know we got them." The device is a Taser, and it delivers 50,000 volts of electricity. Peoria police have been using Taser guns since starting a pilot program in September 2004. The program is now permanent, with 121 officers trained and armed with the device. Another 50 Tasers arrived earlier this month. After completing an eight-hour training course, approximately 170 officers will be carrying the 4-ounce tool at the end of the month. Over the last three years, the department has received shipments - about 50 at a time - of the less-than-lethal crime fighting tool. Deciding who got the Tasers when they arrived was easy. "We wanted them in the hands of the people that needed them the most," Fisher said. "That's your patrol officers and people who work the street." The first group of Tasers was handed out to members of the street crime and problem-orientated policing (POP) units. "They're actively involved in the worst areas of an assigned district," Fisher said. Since then, Tasers have been gradually issued to the patrol officers, which make up about 40 percent of the Police Department's force. The latest delivery of Tasers will put them in the hands of all but a few officers. Police who aren't yet armed with a Taser gun sometimes pretend they are to get compliance from an individual, Fisher said. "We got guys who don't have a Taser, never been through the (training) school chasing bad guys down the alley, saying 'Taser. Taser. Taser.' They (suspects) stop and give up," Fisher said. "The majority of the time we get compliance." Because the Tasers cost $900 each, the department applies for grants to cover the expense. Fisher said the process is time-consuming and lengthy. For example, the latest bunch of Tasers were delivered two weeks ago, but they were ordered last July. "That's the frustrating part for us because we know we have such a good tool here," Fisher said. "I still have guys who get punched in the nose and have teeth knocked out" because they're fighting with individuals. Fisher said the department will keep applying for grants when they become available with a goal to outfit nearly all of the 243 commissioned officers. The 33-member detective bureau is next on the list to get Tasers. The Taser gun can be drawn in any situation in which police feel threatened by individuals. The device also helps reduce injury to the officer and the person he or she is arresting, translating into less use of deadly force. The first year of the pilot program, the city saw a reduction of more than $180,000 in workman's compensation claims. "We have no way to prove it was due to the Taser, but we think it is," Fisher said. The Taser sends a dose of 15 electrical pulses per second for five seconds through a person's body. The jolt of electricity disrupts the body's central nervous system, leaving a person temporarily incapacitated. "It stimulates the muscles of the body so much it freezes everything up," said Fisher, who has been Tasered voluntarily. "You still breath. You can hear. You fall to the ground a lot of times and that's where most of the injuries take place." Officers used the Taser almost 215 times in 2006. About 10 percent of the time, the Taser failed, either because of a mechanical problem or not properly hitting its target. No other statistics were available.  Source: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/042707/TRI_BD23LO6F.013.php  Leslie Fark can be reached at 686-3188 or lfark@pjstar.com.

121. Minneapolis Police Dept MNComparison of Force Types Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit.Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit.

122. Minneapolis Police Dept MNWorkers Comp Cost Associated with Use of Force Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit. Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit.

123. Minneapolis Police Dept MN Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit. Source: TASERs: Making an Informed Decision by Minneapolis Police Department April 2007 by Deputy Chief Scott Gerlicher, Office of Professional Standards; Officer Adam Grobove, TASER Coordinator; and Leah Johnson, Analyst, Internal Affairs Unit.

124. From: Mike Etter [mailto:MEtter@trotwood.org] Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 7:04 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: IACP followupSteve   After reviewing our records, we have had one workers comp claim with the taser deployment. An officer broke a small bone in his hand restraining a suspect. Please change your power point to "greatly reduced workers comp claims" Sorry about the mis information. It is still a great law enforcement tool and we won't be without them.   Mike Etter, CLEE Public Safety Director Deputy City Manager Trotwood Police Department 3035 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 (937) 854-7202 metter@trotwood.org  From: Steve Tuttle [mailto:Steve@taser.com] Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 2:21 PMTo: Mike EtterSubject: IACP followupDear Michael, it was great to meet you in Boston at the IACP conference.  I have attached a PowerPoint of risk management numbers.  Since you mentioned that there were no injuries to officers during resisting arrests, I have added your input to my PowerPoint.   Can you let me know if this is accurate?  I cited you as a source for this information (slide 42).  I use this for presentations to risk managers and to chiefs. Thanks! <<Injury Reduction Stats 10 18 06.ppt>> Sincerely,Steve TuttleFrom: Mike Etter [mailto:MEtter@trotwood.org] Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 7:04 AMTo: Steve TuttleSubject: RE: IACP followup

125. Source: January 19, 2007 Email. Steve, Detective Mcallister forwarded me your e-mail requesting our stats for 2006. I am the primary Taser instructor for our department. We currently have 7 sworn officers and have 2 Taser X26s in use. We have one equipped with the Taser Cam. In 2006 we had 4 Taser incidents, 2 actual probe deployments, 1 drive stun, and 1 documented laser display. We recorded no injuries to suspects or officers during these incidents. In 2005 we had 8 Taser incidents, 5 actual probe deployments and 3 drive stuns. You can see in one year, our Taser incidents decreased by 50%. I know from personal experience, that the word is out there about the Taser. Often just us mentioning the possibility of using the Taser will gain compliance from a suspect. I don't have any specific stats on officer or suspect injuries, but I believe the physical altercations have decreased dramatically. We currently fax in our Taser field use sheets. I have not received any updates from Taser International recently, so I am also sending you my new E-mail address. Let me know if you have any more questions of our department. Sincerely, Officer David A. Duffett #9 Bridgeport Township Police Department 6206 Dixie Hwy, Bridgeport, MI 48722 (989) 777-2800 X-632 E-mail: dduffett@bridgeportmi.orgSource: January 19, 2007 Email. Steve, Detective Mcallister forwarded me your e-mail requesting our stats for 2006. I am the primary Taser instructor for our department. We currently have 7 sworn officers and have 2 Taser X26s in use. We have one equipped with the Taser Cam. In 2006 we had 4 Taser incidents, 2 actual probe deployments, 1 drive stun, and 1 documented laser display. We recorded no injuries to suspects or officers during these incidents. In 2005 we had 8 Taser incidents, 5 actual probe deployments and 3 drive stuns. You can see in one year, our Taser incidents decreased by 50%. I know from personal experience, that the word is out there about the Taser. Often just us mentioning the possibility of using the Taser will gain compliance from a suspect. I don't have any specific stats on officer or suspect injuries, but I believe the physical altercations have decreased dramatically. We currently fax in our Taser field use sheets. I have not received any updates from Taser International recently, so I am also sending you my new E-mail address. Let me know if you have any more questions of our department. Sincerely, Officer David A. Duffett #9 Bridgeport Township Police Department 6206 Dixie Hwy, Bridgeport, MI 48722 (989) 777-2800 X-632 E-mail: dduffett@bridgeportmi.org

126. Source: January 19, 2007 Email. Steve, Detective Mcallister forwarded me your e-mail requesting our stats for 2006. I am the primary Taser instructor for our department. We currently have 7 sworn officers and have 2 Taser X26s in use. We have one equipped with the Taser Cam. In 2006 we had 4 Taser incidents, 2 actual probe deployments, 1 drive stun, and 1 documented laser display. We recorded no injuries to suspects or officers during these incidents. In 2005 we had 8 Taser incidents, 5 actual probe deployments and 3 drive stuns. You can see in one year, our Taser incidents decreased by 50%. I know from personal experience, that the word is out there about the Taser. Often just us mentioning the possibility of using the Taser will gain compliance from a suspect. I don't have any specific stats on officer or suspect injuries, but I believe the physical altercations have decreased dramatically. We currently fax in our Taser field use sheets. I have not received any updates from Taser International recently, so I am also sending you my new E-mail address. Let me know if you have any more questions of our department. Sincerely, Officer David A. Duffett #9 Bridgeport Township Police Department 6206 Dixie Hwy, Bridgeport, MI 48722 (989) 777-2800 X-632 E-mail: dduffett@bridgeportmi.orgSource: January 19, 2007 Email. Steve, Detective Mcallister forwarded me your e-mail requesting our stats for 2006. I am the primary Taser instructor for our department. We currently have 7 sworn officers and have 2 Taser X26s in use. We have one equipped with the Taser Cam. In 2006 we had 4 Taser incidents, 2 actual probe deployments, 1 drive stun, and 1 documented laser display. We recorded no injuries to suspects or officers during these incidents. In 2005 we had 8 Taser incidents, 5 actual probe deployments and 3 drive stuns. You can see in one year, our Taser incidents decreased by 50%. I know from personal experience, that the word is out there about the Taser. Often just us mentioning the possibility of using the Taser will gain compliance from a suspect. I don't have any specific stats on officer or suspect injuries, but I believe the physical altercations have decreased dramatically. We currently fax in our Taser field use sheets. I have not received any updates from Taser International recently, so I am also sending you my new E-mail address. Let me know if you have any more questions of our department. Sincerely, Officer David A. Duffett #9 Bridgeport Township Police Department 6206 Dixie Hwy, Bridgeport, MI 48722 (989) 777-2800 X-632 E-mail: dduffett@bridgeportmi.org

127. Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.

128. Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.

130. Ft Myers FL ‘04 Arrest Results "The TASER is the most effective tool that's ever been given to law enforcement," Lee Chitwood, Lee County Sheriff's Office said. “We think it's a valuable tool," he said. "We're going to continue to use it." Both Fort Myers police and the sheriff's office assert there was no inappropriate use of the TASER system in 2004. Investigations into two recent deaths are ongoing, but law enforcement officials have said they believe the deceased displayed symptoms of excited delirium. Source: THE NEWS-PRESS / FLORIDA Lee officers defend Taser useDelirium may put some at extra riskBy Brian P. Watson-bwatson@news-press.com Originally posted on December 12, 2005His first day on the job, Matt Chitwood ran into a tough customer.A man standing about 5 feet 4 inches, 130 pounds, had become erratic and incomprehensible, taking a karate stance as officers approached, said Chitwood, now a corporal with the Lee County Sheriff's Office who trains deputies how to use the Taser stun gun.OC pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum, didn't affect the man, but police were able to handcuff him. But they couldn't get him into the back of a squad car, Chitwood said. The man became so active that he knocked over three officers. The police restrained him and took him to the hospital, where Chitwood learned the man suffered from a condition dubbed "excited delirium.""I didn't know anything about excited delirium at the time," Chitwood said of the 1995 incident. Now Chitwood is one of the sheriff's authorities on the condition, which is consistently tied to deaths involving the Taser.Two people, both shot with a Taser, died in the hands of law enforcement in Southwest Florida in the past two months, sparking debate over the controversial stun gun and the ways in which local officers use it.Opponents criticize officers for using what they call "excessive force" with the weapon shocking a person several times, aiming for certain body parts or even using it when it is not needed. Critics call the Taser a deadly weapon. Meanwhile, police officials say they use Tasers in only a small percentage of arrest situations and highlight the elusive behavioral illness "excited delirium," which experts say leaves people more susceptible to bodily harm. Police officials in Lee County steadfastly stand behind the Taser, a handheld device that can either be touched to a person's body or deploy prongs that render a 50,000-volt electrical charge on contact."The Taser is the most effective tool that's ever been given to law enforcement," Chitwood said.He said that of 14,280 arrests made last year by the sheriff's office, deputies faced resistance on 328 occasions and used Tasers in about 310 instances, or roughly two times for every 100 arrests. Fort Myers police made 7,832 arrests in 2004, according to Capt. Scott Griffith. Officers faced resistance in 577 arrest situations and used force 267 times, he said.Tasers were used 105 times, Griffith said, an average of about one time per 100 arrests. "We think it's a valuable tool," he said. "We're going to continue to use it."Both Fort Myers police and the sheriff's office assert there was no inappropriate use of the Taser in 2004.Investigations into two recent deaths are ongoing, but law enforcement officials have said they believe the deceased displayed symptoms of excited delirium. Tracy Rene Shippy, 35, of Lehigh Acres died Nov. 26 after launching into what officers and onlookers described as a violent rage inside a card shop in south Fort Myers.Deputies said Shippy entered the Hallmark Gold Crown store at Page Field Commons, and asked workers to call 911. Not long after, deputies and store workers said she began breaking displays, finally using a metal rod from one of the displays to break more store property. After a long struggle with deputies, Sgt. Joseph More touched a Taser to her left shoulder. BECAME UNRESPONSIVEShippy was taken to a squad car, where she tried to kick through the back-seat windows, but she became unresponsive 15 to 20 minutes after being stunned by a Taser.Sheriff's officials said Shippy exhibited behavior of a substance abuser. Her family told The News-Press that she had struggled with a drug addiction. Those same family members said they were considering a lawsuit against the sheriff's office.Steven Cunningham, 45, died Oct. 13 after an incident at the Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health Care, 2789 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, where he was taken by a friend for an unknown reason. Police said security staff from the mental health facility tried to subdue Cunningham in a back parking lot after he became hostile. Police spokeswoman Shelly Flynn did not disclose how many officers responded to the scene, but did say that Officer Scott Townsend, a veteran of the department, shot Cunningham with a Taser.The department has not revealed how many times Cunningham was shot. Officials declined to comment for this article because the incident is under investigation by the State's Attorney's Office.The day after the incident, Cunningham's sister, Darlene Demonbren of Shelbyville, Tenn., said officers should not have used force on her brother, who she said had been "fighting some demons." "He went to get help, not get killed," she said.Spokespeople said toxicology results have not come back for either Shippy or Cunningham, but officials said both exhibited symptoms similar to someone suffering from excited delirium. While not a clinical term, excited delirium is one that experts say very closely mirrors the medical definition of "delirium."EMedicine.com defines delirium as "a transient, usually reversible, cause of cerebral dysfunction." It "manifests clinically with a wide range of neuropsychiatric abnormalities."Dr. Tonia Werner, assistant professor and director of the forensic psychiatry division at the University of Florida, said the condition leads to a "waxing and a waning of consciousness and alertness" primarily caused by some illness or ingested substance. AGITATED STAGEExcited delirium, she said, applies to the acute phase of clinical delirium, which is when the person becomes agitated. "I think law enforcement is adding the adjective 'excited' to describe what they're coming against," Werner said.People suffering from the acute phase of delirium typically experience a wide range of symptoms, including increased heart rate and body temperature, abnormal strength, confusion and slurred or unintelligible speech.Dealing with victims of excited delirium poses a serious challenge to police, Griffith said, because even the victims don't know they are suffering from the condition. "We have no idea if that's happening," he said. "It's not a choreographed dance when some of these things start to happen." Griffith said officers are constantly reevaluating the situation, first using verbal commands to get the person to obey. If they have to use force, the Taser is a proven asset to the officer, he said.But sometimes problems arise. Experts say the electrical shock a Taser emits into the body is close to — and sometimes significantly less than — the static shock a person feels when he or she touches a door knob after walking across a carpet.LAG TIME AN ISSUEHeart failure has been determined to be the cause in many nationwide deaths of suspects who have been shot with a Taser. But often there is a lag time between the shock and the death, Werner says. If the Taser was directly attributable to the person's death, she said, it would happen when they're shocked. "If it's going to effect the electrical conduction of the heart, it would happen immediately," she said. "It's not going to happen 10 minutes from now."And because delirious people can pose a danger to themselves and others, Werner said she believes officers are within their bounds to use a Taser on them. "They need to be restrained," she said. "When they're at that point, it's impossible to talk them down." Some are not as convinced. Dr. James L. Schaller, a Naples-based specialist, said people who expressed such neuropsychiatric issues face a higher risk of long-term damage if police decide to use force. "Anybody that needs to be Tasered is at risk for sudden death," Schaller said.Schaller believes a deeper forensic understanding of the issue is needed by lab technicians, doctors and police officers to prevent further complications.He also challenged the assertion that the Taser would cause immediate heart failure; he said voltage from the Taser could certainly contribute to the death, even long after the shock is administered. "Most ill people are able to withstand and recover from the damage of that current," Schaller said. "But you will get changes in body chemistry that will not be found instantly and are not tested for." Source: THE NEWS-PRESS / FLORIDALee officers defend Taser useDelirium may put some at extra riskBy Brian P. Watson-bwatson@news-press.com Originally posted on December 12, 2005His first day on the job, Matt Chitwood ran into a tough customer.A man standing about 5 feet 4 inches, 130 pounds, had become erratic and incomprehensible, taking a karate stance as officers approached, said Chitwood, now a corporal with the Lee County Sheriff's Office who trains deputies how to use the Taser stun gun.OC pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum, didn't affect the man, but police were able to handcuff him. But they couldn't get him into the back of a squad car, Chitwood said. The man became so active that he knocked over three officers. The police restrained him and took him to the hospital, where Chitwood learned the man suffered from a condition dubbed "excited delirium.""I didn't know anything about excited delirium at the time," Chitwood said of the 1995 incident. Now Chitwood is one of the sheriff's authorities on the condition, which is consistently tied to deaths involving the Taser.Two people, both shot with a Taser, died in the hands of law enforcement in Southwest Florida in the past two months, sparking debate over the controversial stun gun and the ways in which local officers use it.Opponents criticize officers for using what they call "excessive force" with the weapon shocking a person several times, aiming for certain body parts or even using it when it is not needed. Critics call the Taser a deadly weapon. Meanwhile, police officials say they use Tasers in only a small percentage of arrest situations and highlight the elusive behavioral illness "excited delirium," which experts say leaves people more susceptible to bodily harm. Police officials in Lee County steadfastly stand behind the Taser, a handheld device that can either be touched to a person's body or deploy prongs that render a 50,000-volt electrical charge on contact."The Taser is the most effective tool that's ever been given to law enforcement," Chitwood said.He said that of 14,280 arrests made last year by the sheriff's office, deputies faced resistance on 328 occasions and used Tasers in about 310 instances, or roughly two times for every 100 arrests. Fort Myers police made 7,832 arrests in 2004, according to Capt. Scott Griffith. Officers faced resistance in 577 arrest situations and used force 267 times, he said.Tasers were used 105 times, Griffith said, an average of about one time per 100 arrests. "We think it's a valuable tool," he said. "We're going to continue to use it."Both Fort Myers police and the sheriff's office assert there was no inappropriate use of the Taser in 2004.Investigations into two recent deaths are ongoing, but law enforcement officials have said they believe the deceased displayed symptoms of excited delirium. Tracy Rene Shippy, 35, of Lehigh Acres died Nov. 26 after launching into what officers and onlookers described as a violent rage inside a card shop in south Fort Myers.Deputies said Shippy entered the Hallmark Gold Crown store at Page Field Commons, and asked workers to call 911. Not long after, deputies and store workers said she began breaking displays, finally using a metal rod from one of the displays to break more store property. After a long struggle with deputies, Sgt. Joseph More touched a Taser to her left shoulder. BECAME UNRESPONSIVEShippy was taken to a squad car, where she tried to kick through the back-seat windows, but she became unresponsive 15 to 20 minutes after being stunned by a Taser.Sheriff's officials said Shippy exhibited behavior of a substance abuser. Her family told The News-Press that she had struggled with a drug addiction. Those same family members said they were considering a lawsuit against the sheriff's office.Steven Cunningham, 45, died Oct. 13 after an incident at the Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health Care, 2789 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, where he was taken by a friend for an unknown reason. Police said security staff from the mental health facility tried to subdue Cunningham in a back parking lot after he became hostile. Police spokeswoman Shelly Flynn did not disclose how many officers responded to the scene, but did say that Officer Scott Townsend, a veteran of the department, shot Cunningham with a Taser.The department has not revealed how many times Cunningham was shot. Officials declined to comment for this article because the incident is under investigation by the State's Attorney's Office.The day after the incident, Cunningham's sister, Darlene Demonbren of Shelbyville, Tenn., said officers should not have used force on her brother, who she said had been "fighting some demons." "He went to get help, not get killed," she said.Spokespeople said toxicology results have not come back for either Shippy or Cunningham, but officials said both exhibited symptoms similar to someone suffering from excited delirium. While not a clinical term, excited delirium is one that experts say very closely mirrors the medical definition of "delirium."EMedicine.com defines delirium as "a transient, usually reversible, cause of cerebral dysfunction." It "manifests clinically with a wide range of neuropsychiatric abnormalities."Dr. Tonia Werner, assistant professor and director of the forensic psychiatry division at the University of Florida, said the condition leads to a "waxing and a waning of consciousness and alertness" primarily caused by some illness or ingested substance. AGITATED STAGEExcited delirium, she said, applies to the acute phase of clinical delirium, which is when the person becomes agitated. "I think law enforcement is adding the adjective 'excited' to describe what they're coming against," Werner said.People suffering from the acute phase of delirium typically experience a wide range of symptoms, including increased heart rate and body temperature, abnormal strength, confusion and slurred or unintelligible speech.Dealing with victims of excited delirium poses a serious challenge to police, Griffith said, because even the victims don't know they are suffering from the condition. "We have no idea if that's happening," he said. "It's not a choreographed dance when some of these things start to happen." Griffith said officers are constantly reevaluating the situation, first using verbal commands to get the person to obey. If they have to use force, the Taser is a proven asset to the officer, he said.But sometimes problems arise. Experts say the electrical shock a Taser emits into the body is close to — and sometimes significantly less than — the static shock a person feels when he or she touches a door knob after walking across a carpet.LAG TIME AN ISSUEHeart failure has been determined to be the cause in many nationwide deaths of suspects who have been shot with a Taser. But often there is a lag time between the shock and the death, Werner says. If the Taser was directly attributable to the person's death, she said, it would happen when they're shocked. "If it's going to effect the electrical conduction of the heart, it would happen immediately," she said. "It's not going to happen 10 minutes from now."And because delirious people can pose a danger to themselves and others, Werner said she believes officers are within their bounds to use a Taser on them. "They need to be restrained," she said. "When they're at that point, it's impossible to talk them down." Some are not as convinced. Dr. James L. Schaller, a Naples-based specialist, said people who expressed such neuropsychiatric issues face a higher risk of long-term damage if police decide to use force. "Anybody that needs to be Tasered is at risk for sudden death," Schaller said.Schaller believes a deeper forensic understanding of the issue is needed by lab technicians, doctors and police officers to prevent further complications.He also challenged the assertion that the Taser would cause immediate heart failure; he said voltage from the Taser could certainly contribute to the death, even long after the shock is administered. "Most ill people are able to withstand and recover from the damage of that current," Schaller said. "But you will get changes in body chemistry that will not be found instantly and are not tested for." Source: THE NEWS-PRESS / FLORIDA Lee officers defend Taser useDelirium may put some at extra riskBy Brian P. Watson-bwatson@news-press.com Originally posted on December 12, 2005His first day on the job, Matt Chitwood ran into a tough customer.A man standing about 5 feet 4 inches, 130 pounds, had become erratic and incomprehensible, taking a karate stance as officers approached, said Chitwood, now a corporal with the Lee County Sheriff's Office who trains deputies how to use the Taser stun gun.OC pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum, didn't affect the man, but police were able to handcuff him. But they couldn't get him into the back of a squad car, Chitwood said. The man became so active that he knocked over three officers. The police restrained him and took him to the hospital, where Chitwood learned the man suffered from a condition dubbed "excited delirium.""I didn't know anything about excited delirium at the time," Chitwood said of the 1995 incident. Now Chitwood is one of the sheriff's authorities on the condition, which is consistently tied to deaths involving the Taser.Two people, both shot with a Taser, died in the hands of law enforcement in Southwest Florida in the past two months, sparking debate over the controversial stun gun and the ways in which local officers use it.Opponents criticize officers for using what they call "excessive force" with the weapon shocking a person several times, aiming for certain body parts or even using it when it is not needed. Critics call the Taser a deadly weapon. Meanwhile, police officials say they use Tasers in only a small percentage of arrest situations and highlight the elusive behavioral illness "excited delirium," which experts say leaves people more susceptible to bodily harm. Police officials in Lee County steadfastly stand behind the Taser, a handheld device that can either be touched to a person's body or deploy prongs that render a 50,000-volt electrical charge on contact."The Taser is the most effective tool that's ever been given to law enforcement," Chitwood said.He said that of 14,280 arrests made last year by the sheriff's office, deputies faced resistance on 328 occasions and used Tasers in about 310 instances, or roughly two times for every 100 arrests. Fort Myers police made 7,832 arrests in 2004, according to Capt. Scott Griffith. Officers faced resistance in 577 arrest situations and used force 267 times, he said.Tasers were used 105 times, Griffith said, an average of about one time per 100 arrests. "We think it's a valuable tool," he said. "We're going to continue to use it."Both Fort Myers police and the sheriff's office assert there was no inappropriate use of the Taser in 2004.Investigations into two recent deaths are ongoing, but law enforcement officials have said they believe the deceased displayed symptoms of excited delirium. Tracy Rene Shippy, 35, of Lehigh Acres died Nov. 26 after launching into what officers and onlookers described as a violent rage inside a card shop in south Fort Myers.Deputies said Shippy entered the Hallmark Gold Crown store at Page Field Commons, and asked workers to call 911. Not long after, deputies and store workers said she began breaking displays, finally using a metal rod from one of the displays to break more store property. After a long struggle with deputies, Sgt. Joseph More touched a Taser to her left shoulder. BECAME UNRESPONSIVEShippy was taken to a squad car, where she tried to kick through the back-seat windows, but she became unresponsive 15 to 20 minutes after being stunned by a Taser.Sheriff's officials said Shippy exhibited behavior of a substance abuser. Her family told The News-Press that she had struggled with a drug addiction. Those same family members said they were considering a lawsuit against the sheriff's office.Steven Cunningham, 45, died Oct. 13 after an incident at the Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health Care, 2789 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, where he was taken by a friend for an unknown reason. Police said security staff from the mental health facility tried to subdue Cunningham in a back parking lot after he became hostile. Police spokeswoman Shelly Flynn did not disclose how many officers responded to the scene, but did say that Officer Scott Townsend, a veteran of the department, shot Cunningham with a Taser.The department has not revealed how many times Cunningham was shot. Officials declined to comment for this article because the incident is under investigation by the State's Attorney's Office.The day after the incident, Cunningham's sister, Darlene Demonbren of Shelbyville, Tenn., said officers should not have used force on her brother, who she said had been "fighting some demons." "He went to get help, not get killed," she said.Spokespeople said toxicology results have not come back for either Shippy or Cunningham, but officials said both exhibited symptoms similar to someone suffering from excited delirium. While not a clinical term, excited delirium is one that experts say very closely mirrors the medical definition of "delirium."EMedicine.com defines delirium as "a transient, usually reversible, cause of cerebral dysfunction." It "manifests clinically with a wide range of neuropsychiatric abnormalities."Dr. Tonia Werner, assistant professor and director of the forensic psychiatry division at the University of Florida, said the condition leads to a "waxing and a waning of consciousness and alertness" primarily caused by some illness or ingested substance. AGITATED STAGEExcited delirium, she said, applies to the acute phase of clinical delirium, which is when the person becomes agitated. "I think law enforcement is adding the adjective 'excited' to describe what they're coming against," Werner said.People suffering from the acute phase of delirium typically experience a wide range of symptoms, including increased heart rate and body temperature, abnormal strength, confusion and slurred or unintelligible speech.Dealing with victims of excited delirium poses a serious challenge to police, Griffith said, because even the victims don't know they are suffering from the condition. "We have no idea if that's happening," he said. "It's not a choreographed dance when some of these things start to happen." Griffith said officers are constantly reevaluating the situation, first using verbal commands to get the person to obey. If they have to use force, the Taser is a proven asset to the officer, he said.But sometimes problems arise. Experts say the electrical shock a Taser emits into the body is close to — and sometimes significantly less than — the static shock a person feels when he or she touches a door knob after walking across a carpet.LAG TIME AN ISSUEHeart failure has been determined to be the cause in many nationwide deaths of suspects who have been shot with a Taser. But often there is a lag time between the shock and the death, Werner says. If the Taser was directly attributable to the person's death, she said, it would happen when they're shocked. "If it's going to effect the electrical conduction of the heart, it would happen immediately," she said. "It's not going to happen 10 minutes from now."And because delirious people can pose a danger to themselves and others, Werner said she believes officers are within their bounds to use a Taser on them. "They need to be restrained," she said. "When they're at that point, it's impossible to talk them down." Some are not as convinced. Dr. James L. Schaller, a Naples-based specialist, said people who expressed such neuropsychiatric issues face a higher risk of long-term damage if police decide to use force. "Anybody that needs to be Tasered is at risk for sudden death," Schaller said.Schaller believes a deeper forensic understanding of the issue is needed by lab technicians, doctors and police officers to prevent further complications.He also challenged the assertion that the Taser would cause immediate heart failure; he said voltage from the Taser could certainly contribute to the death, even long after the shock is administered. "Most ill people are able to withstand and recover from the damage of that current," Schaller said. "But you will get changes in body chemistry that will not be found instantly and are not tested for."

131. Colorado 2005 Stats Only Source: Mike Saccone - Saturday, June 17th, 2006 “The Daily Sentinel” in Grand Junction, COSource: Mike Saccone - Saturday, June 17th, 2006 “The Daily Sentinel” in Grand Junction, CO

132. Colorado 2005 Stats Only Source: Mike Saccone - Saturday, June 17th, 2006 “The Daily Sentinel” in Grand Junction, COSource: Mike Saccone - Saturday, June 17th, 2006 “The Daily Sentinel” in Grand Junction, CO

133. Chico Police Dept CA Study Source: PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet provided to TASER International from Chico PD. Source on use of force: Butte County Law Enforcement : 2005/06 Butte County Grand Jury Final Report The Grand Jury sent out questionnaires about the use of Tasers in 2004-2005 to the following agencies: • Butte County District Attorney’s Office • Butte County Sheriff’s Office • Chico Police Department • California State University Chico Police Department • Gridley-Biggs Police Department • Oroville Police Department • Paradise Police Department The information gathered from the returned questionnaires is presented in the following table: The Grand Jury’s assessment of the information in the table is as follows: • Every department has Tasers. • Every department has trained officers to use them. • The number of uses indicates the acceptance as an additional law enforcement tool. • Injuries to officers and/or individuals have been minimal. • There have been no deaths or hospitalizations attributed to the Taser. The Chico Police Department has a large data base of statistics on their use of force which include take downs, control holds, baton, pepper spray and Tasers. The data shows the frequency of injuries to suspects and officers were substantially higher with the use of control holds, baton and pepper spray than with the use of Tasers. A current study15 by Chico Police Department reveals the following: From year 2003 (no Tasers) to 2004 (with Tasers): • Officer injuries declined by 50% • Suspect injuries declined by 16% • Use of Force cases increased 53% In the years 2003 and 2004 combined: • 2% of suspects who were Tasered were injured. • 0% of officers who used the Taser were injured. • 79% of suspects who were batoned were injured. • 2% of officers who used batons were injured. • 53% of suspects who were physically taken to the ground were injured. • 40% of officers who took suspects to the ground were injured. Findings: 1) All of the law enforcement departments surveyed appear to have adequate training on the use of Tasers. 2) Injuries to suspects and officers have been minimal with the use of Tasers. 3) No deaths were reported as a result of a Taser use. 4) Tasers have been an effective option to other types of force to reduce injuries to both peace officers and suspects. Recommendations: None Response Required (Penal Code 933 & 933.05) NoneSource: PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet provided to TASER International from Chico PD. Source on use of force: Butte County Law Enforcement : 2005/06 Butte County Grand Jury Final Report The Grand Jury sent out questionnaires about the use of Tasers in 2004-2005 to the following agencies: • Butte County District Attorney’s Office • Butte County Sheriff’s Office • Chico Police Department • California State University Chico Police Department • Gridley-Biggs Police Department • Oroville Police Department • Paradise Police Department The information gathered from the returned questionnaires is presented in the following table: The Grand Jury’s assessment of the information in the table is as follows: • Every department has Tasers. • Every department has trained officers to use them. • The number of uses indicates the acceptance as an additional law enforcement tool. • Injuries to officers and/or individuals have been minimal. • There have been no deaths or hospitalizations attributed to the Taser. The Chico Police Department has a large data base of statistics on their use of force which include take downs, control holds, baton, pepper spray and Tasers. The data shows the frequency of injuries to suspects and officers were substantially higher with the use of control holds, baton and pepper spray than with the use of Tasers. A current study15 by Chico Police Department reveals the following: From year 2003 (no Tasers) to 2004 (with Tasers): • Officer injuries declined by 50% • Suspect injuries declined by 16% • Use of Force cases increased 53% In the years 2003 and 2004 combined: • 2% of suspects who were Tasered were injured. • 0% of officers who used the Taser were injured. • 79% of suspects who were batoned were injured. • 2% of officers who used batons were injured. • 53% of suspects who were physically taken to the ground were injured. • 40% of officers who took suspects to the ground were injured. Findings: 1) All of the law enforcement departments surveyed appear to have adequate training on the use of Tasers. 2) Injuries to suspects and officers have been minimal with the use of Tasers. 3) No deaths were reported as a result of a Taser use. 4) Tasers have been an effective option to other types of force to reduce injuries to both peace officers and suspects. Recommendations: None Response Required (Penal Code 933 & 933.05) None

134. Source: PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet provided to TASER International from Chico PD.Source: PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet provided to TASER International from Chico PD.

135. Chico Police Dept CA Study Findings Actual quotes from the report:“All of the law enforcement departments surveyed appear to have adequate training on the use of TASER (systems).” “Injuries to suspects and officers have been minimal with the use of TASER (systems).” “No deaths were reported as a result of a TASER use.” “TASER (systems) have been an effective option to other types of force to reduce injuries to both peace officers and suspects.” Actual quotes from the report:“All of the law enforcement departments surveyed appear to have adequate training on the use of TASER (systems).” “Injuries to suspects and officers have been minimal with the use of TASER (systems).” “No deaths were reported as a result of a TASER use.” “TASER (systems) have been an effective option to other types of force to reduce injuries to both peace officers and suspects.”

136. Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.Source: Statistics sent to TASER International from Omaha PD, Sgt Dave Staskiewicz, TASER Training Coordinator and Senior TASER Master Instructor.

137. TASER Programs Save Costs & Lives First Study 2003-2004 Source: Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Study, 2004. The Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) provides risk management, claims administration, legal defense and reinsurance services to its members. It represents 151 law enforcement agencies in Michigan with a total number of 6,346 officers employed by those agencies. The MMRMA established an innovative grant through its Risk Avoidance Program for the purchase of TASER ECDs by its members in July 2003. Under the terms of the Risk Avoidance Program grant, the MMRMA paid $250 towards the purchase of a TASER ECD. As stated by Michael Rhyner, Executive Director of the MMRMA, “Based on the significant reduction in officer and suspect injuries and associated liability claims from the law enforcement agencies that have deployed the TASER conducted energy weapon, the MMRMA believes that funding the purchase of TASER conducted energy weapons for our member agencies through our Risk Avoidance Program will result in a reduction of liability claims and lower insurance costs for our members.” In December of 2004 it conducted a review of 46 of its agencies that participated in its survey concerning TASER technology. Of 582 incidents involving TASER devices, the following types of injuries were reported: 9 Pre-TASER ECD injuries 41 Secondary injuries 1 TASER ECD related injury  Note: 1) Pre-TASER - occurred prior to TASER ECD application; 2) TASER ECD - Injury occurred due to TASER; and 3) Secondary – occurred after TASER ECD application (Probe puncture was not classified as injury.) In addition, during 2004, the first full year of the program, the number of excessive force claims at these agencies collectively dropped 54%, from 48 claims in 2003 to 22 claims in 2004. At an average cost of $250,000 per excessive force claim, a reduction of 26 cases translates to an approximate total savings of $6.5 million. Further, a TASER ECD was successfully deployed in at least seven instances that likely would have escalated to deadly force levels and resulted in wrongful death litigation were it not for the TASER ECD.  582 TASER incidents consisting of: ?? 346 TASER deployments ?? 180 drive stuns ?? 31 Presentations ?? 25 Failures Of the 582 TASER incidents, ?? 323 reported instances of substance abuse (55.4%). Of this: • 275 involved the use of alcohol (47.2%) • 48 instances of drugs/narcotics use (8.2%) ?? 49 incidents were reported involving individuals needing psychiatric intervention (8.4%) 2004 1st full year of program 2000 compared to 2004 51% reduction 2001 compared to 2004 2% reduction 2002 compared to 2004 37% reduction 2004 compared to 2003 37% reduction Source: Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Study, 2004. The Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) provides risk management, claims administration, legal defense and reinsurance services to its members. It represents 151 law enforcement agencies in Michigan with a total number of 6,346 officers employed by those agencies. The MMRMA established an innovative grant through its Risk Avoidance Program for the purchase of TASER ECDs by its members in July 2003. Under the terms of the Risk Avoidance Program grant, the MMRMA paid $250 towards the purchase of a TASER ECD. As stated by Michael Rhyner, Executive Director of the MMRMA, “Based on the significant reduction in officer and suspect injuries and associated liability claims from the law enforcement agencies that have deployed the TASER conducted energy weapon, the MMRMA believes that funding the purchase of TASER conducted energy weapons for our member agencies through our Risk Avoidance Program will result in a reduction of liability claims and lower insurance costs for our members.” In December of 2004 it conducted a review of 46 of its agencies that participated in its survey concerning TASER technology. Of 582 incidents involving TASER devices, the following types of injuries were reported: 9 Pre-TASER ECD injuries 41 Secondary injuries 1 TASER ECD related injury  Note: 1) Pre-TASER - occurred prior to TASER ECD application; 2) TASER ECD - Injury occurred due to TASER; and 3) Secondary – occurred after TASER ECD application (Probe puncture was not classified as injury.) In addition, during 2004, the first full year of the program, the number of excessive force claims at these agencies collectively dropped 54%, from 48 claims in 2003 to 22 claims in 2004. At an average cost of $250,000 per excessive force claim, a reduction of 26 cases translates to an approximate total savings of $6.5 million. Further, a TASER ECD was successfully deployed in at least seven instances that likely would have escalated to deadly force levels and resulted in wrongful death litigation were it not for the TASER ECD.  582 TASER incidents consisting of: ?? 346 TASER deployments ?? 180 drive stuns ?? 31 Presentations ?? 25 Failures Of the 582 TASER incidents, ?? 323 reported instances of substance abuse (55.4%). Of this: • 275 involved the use of alcohol (47.2%) • 48 instances of drugs/narcotics use (8.2%) ?? 49 incidents were reported involving individuals needing psychiatric intervention (8.4%) 2004 1st full year of program 2000 compared to 2004 51% reduction 2001 compared to 2004 2% reduction 2002 compared to 2004 37% reduction 2004 compared to 2003 37% reduction

138. Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09

139. Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09

140. Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09

141. Source: Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09Source: Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09

142. Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09Source: TASER® Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) by Mike Bertha 04 09

143. United Kingdom Field Results Source: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311 Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them 5 August 2008 New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12-month trial, which extended the use of Tasers to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004.  Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said:  "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. “Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.” Notes to editors: Taser statistics can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/about-us/news/ (new window) The trial was undertaken by ten police forces including:  Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.All of the officers involved have been fully trained in the use of Taser and will only be using Taser in strict accordance with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines.Any extension would be dependent on a proper evaluation of Taser's benefits against any risks, and continued stringent training, guidance and administration. Explanation of different terms for Taser:Taser ‘use’ includes any time a Taser is drawn, aimed, red-dotted, arced, drive-stunned, or discharged.Drawn:Officer draws Taser which a person could perceive as a 'use of force' whether or not accompanied by a verbal warning.Aimed:The Taser is aimed at a person but the safety is not removed (i.e. the red dot laser sight is not activated).Red dot: The safety is removed and the red dot laser sight is activated and placed on a subject but the Taser is not fired.Arced:The Taser is sparked without a cartridge being fired.Drive Stun:The Taser is pressed against a person and cycled — this imparts a shock without firing the probes/barbs.Discharge:The Taser is fired and the probes/barbs are discharged towards the subject. Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them Date: 6 Aug 2008 - 09:06 Source: Home Office Source of text: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311   Story tools Print this article Email to a friend Your feedback  New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12 month trial, which extended the use of Taser to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004. Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. "Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent." Source: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311 Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them 5 August 2008 New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12-month trial, which extended the use of Tasers to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004.  Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said:  "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. “Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.” Notes to editors: Taser statistics can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/about-us/news/ (new window) The trial was undertaken by ten police forces including:  Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.

144. United Kingdom Field Results Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1948162/Taser-stun-guns-for-every-police-officer.html Taser stun guns for every police officer Tasers could be issued to all police officers after a trial found that they deterred violent criminals, it was disclosed today. Graham Tibbetts Last Updated: 8:01AM BST 12 May 2008 The 50,000-volt stun guns, introduced to Britain in 2003, are mainly used by firearms officers at present. But a 12-month experiment by ten English and Welsh forces has found that they can help defuse stand-offs even without being fired. During the ongoing trial, which began last September, their deployment soared 15 times, while firing of the devices tripled. The Home Office is reportedly due to make an announcement on their extension later today. "Taser is making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting police officers," Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, told the Sun newspaper. "I am committed to giving our police officers the weapons they need. If the trial shows the Taser to be a valuable tool, I can envisage a day when they could be routinely issued to all officers." In the first six months of the pilot scheme Tasers were deployed on 252 occasions, 236 of which were in the last three months. However, they were only fired 31 times - 25 in the last three months. Officers reported that they helped resolve potentially fatal situations. A Home Office source said that the officers using Tasers had been fully trained and followed official guidelines. The forces involved in the trial were Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales, and West Yorkshire. The Association of Chief Police Officers said that during the experiment Tasers would be made available at incidents of 'violence and threats of violence of such severity that they will need force'. The Tasers fire barbed darts into their victims and deliver powerful electric shocks via a copper wire. They are intended to be a 'less lethal' alternative to regular police weapons. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311 Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them 5 August 2008 New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12-month trial, which extended the use of Tasers to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004.  Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said:  "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. “Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.” Notes to editors: Taser statistics can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/about-us/news/ (new window) The trial was undertaken by ten police forces including:  Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.All of the officers involved have been fully trained in the use of Taser and will only be using Taser in strict accordance with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines.Any extension would be dependent on a proper evaluation of Taser's benefits against any risks, and continued stringent training, guidance and administration. Explanation of different terms for Taser:Taser ‘use’ includes any time a Taser is drawn, aimed, red-dotted, arced, drive-stunned, or discharged.Drawn:Officer draws Taser which a person could perceive as a 'use of force' whether or not accompanied by a verbal warning.Aimed:The Taser is aimed at a person but the safety is not removed (i.e. the red dot laser sight is not activated).Red dot: The safety is removed and the red dot laser sight is activated and placed on a subject but the Taser is not fired.Arced:The Taser is sparked without a cartridge being fired.Drive Stun:The Taser is pressed against a person and cycled — this imparts a shock without firing the probes/barbs.Discharge:The Taser is fired and the probes/barbs are discharged towards the subject. Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them Date: 6 Aug 2008 - 09:06 Source: Home Office Source of text: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311   Story tools Print this article Email to a friend Your feedback  New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12 month trial, which extended the use of Taser to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004. Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. "Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent." Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1948162/Taser-stun-guns-for-every-police-officer.html Taser stun guns for every police officer Tasers could be issued to all police officers after a trial found that they deterred violent criminals, it was disclosed today. Graham Tibbetts Last Updated: 8:01AM BST 12 May 2008 The 50,000-volt stun guns, introduced to Britain in 2003, are mainly used by firearms officers at present. But a 12-month experiment by ten English and Welsh forces has found that they can help defuse stand-offs even without being fired. During the ongoing trial, which began last September, their deployment soared 15 times, while firing of the devices tripled. The Home Office is reportedly due to make an announcement on their extension later today. "Taser is making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting police officers," Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, told the Sun newspaper. "I am committed to giving our police officers the weapons they need. If the trial shows the Taser to be a valuable tool, I can envisage a day when they could be routinely issued to all officers." In the first six months of the pilot scheme Tasers were deployed on 252 occasions, 236 of which were in the last three months. However, they were only fired 31 times - 25 in the last three months. Officers reported that they helped resolve potentially fatal situations. A Home Office source said that the officers using Tasers had been fully trained and followed official guidelines. The forces involved in the trial were Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales, and West Yorkshire. The Association of Chief Police Officers said that during the experiment Tasers would be made available at incidents of 'violence and threats of violence of such severity that they will need force'. The Tasers fire barbed darts into their victims and deliver powerful electric shocks via a copper wire. They are intended to be a 'less lethal' alternative to regular police weapons. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/20311 Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them 5 August 2008 New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them. The third quarter statistics from a 12-month trial, which extended the use of Tasers to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007. Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces. Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004.  Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said:  "I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers. “Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.” Notes to editors: Taser statistics can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/about-us/news/ (new window) The trial was undertaken by ten police forces including:  Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.

145. Steve Tuttle Vice President of Communications Email: Steve@TASER.com Phone: 480-905-2006