Essential Taser Facts
Introduction
Although a prototype electrical device similar to the Taser was
invented in 1969, it wasn't until the 1990s that the company Air
Taser was born. Early customers were citizens concerned about
personal safety. When Taser changed its name in 1998 to Taser
International they began to market their devices to law
enforcement. The timing was right. Law enforcement had been
seeking an effective alternative to lethal force.
How they work
The Taser (or Air Taser) is a specialized stun gun. Once the gun
is fired, compressed nitrogen sends out two darts each attached
to 15 feet of wire. These probes attach to the subject's
clothing. 50,000 volts travel down the wires. The subject goes
down in pain. Because the amperage is low, no permanent damage
is done and the effects are temporary. A threatening or
out-of-control individual is subdued without lethal force. Taser
International claims near 100% effectiveness
Tasers, like all stun guns, use a high voltage, low amperage
electrical signal that when administered causes the complete
loss of neuro-muscular control. Taser's EMD (Electro Muscular
Disruption) weapons use a more powerful 18 to 26 watt electrical
signal to completely override the central nervous system and
directly control the skeletal muscles.
The Taser uses a timing mechanism to deliver the jolt. The Air
Taser releases an electric current in a pre-set time sequence
(an initial seven seconds followed by several 1.8 second breaks
for a total time of about 30 seconds in each cycle). This cycle
ensures that the nervous system of the target does not recover
instantly to allow him to remove the probes.
Effects
This EMD effect causes an uncontrollable contraction of the
muscle tissue, allowing the gun to physically debilitate a
target regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus. Rather than
simply interfering with communication between the brain and
muscles, the Advanced Taser EMD systems directly tell the
muscles what to do: contract until the target is in a docile
position on the ground.
A person hit with an Advanced Taser will feel dazed for several
minutes. The pulsating electrical output causes involuntary
muscle contractions and a resulting sense of vertigo. It can
momentarily stun or render an attacker unconscious. Yet, the
Taser's low electrical amperage and short duration of pulsating
current, ensures a non-lethal charge. Moreover, it does not
cause permanent damage or long-term aftereffects to muscles,
nerves or other body functions. A January 1987 Annals of
Emergency Medicine study reported TASER technology leaves no
long term injuries compared with 50% long term injuries for gun
shot injuries.
Are Tasers Safe?
There is a plethora of information concerning Taser safety both
scientific and antidotal. In summary, most studies conclude that
the Taser's effects are temporary with no ill after effects.
Deaths have occurred after the administration of the Taser.
Independent reviews showed most fatalities were due to
pre-existing conditions, drugs or in some case,
over-administration.
Police are enthusiastic about the results of Taser. Florida
Orange County Sheriffs Department reported a 80% reduction of
injuries to sheriffs in 2002, the first year of Taser use. The
Phoenix police department reported a 67% reduction in suspect
injuries in 2004 and attributed the results to Taser use. In
South Bend Indiana, officer injuries were down by 67% in the
last half of 2003 compared to no Taser use in the first half.
Conclusion
It's a fact--Tasers work, clear and simple. They are nearly 100%
effective in the field. The Air Taser is non-destructive to
nerves, muscles and other body elements. Unlike regular stun
guns that require actual contact with an assailant, Tasers can
be fired up to 15 feet away. As with all self-defense
products, the user must exercise sound judgment in their use and
application.