A TASER device is an electronic control device that is a safer use-of-force option for law enforcement, private security, military, correctional and personal defense.  The advantages to TASER technology are dramatic reductions in injuries to both suspects and law enforcement officers.  No other law enforcement tool has undergone as extensive international scientific testing and scrutiny as TASER technology.  Although, no use of force device is risk free including TASER technology, medical experts and recent independent comprehensive reports from the governments of Canada, United Kingdom and the U.S. have concluded that TASER systems are among the safer use-of-force alternatives to subdue violent individuals who could harm law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves.”

“The advantage is that TASER technology can truly immobilize a suspect who can overcome pain, might be on dangerous drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine or even emotionally disturbed, whereas other use of force tools relay upon pain compliance.  The TASER system doesn't use pain compliance but immediately stops any coordinated action by the subject only while the TASER system's current is flowing.  Recovery is instantaneous, so the TASER system only provides a window of opportunity to temporarily stop someone's dangerous actions."

TASER devices utilize compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to various ranges of 15, 21, 25 or 35 feet (only 15 foot cartridges are sold to citizens) at a speed of over 160 feet per second. These probes are connected to the TASER device by insulated wire. An electrical signal is transmitted through the 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.

TASER devices save lives and are generically known as electronic control devices.  TASER brand devices are among the safer use-of-force options available today. TASER systems use proprietary technology to immediately incapacitate dangerous, combative or high-risk individuals who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves. TASER devices have been proven statistically to dramatically reduce injury rates to suspects and officers and increase officer safety and community security compared to any other use of force option.

TASER technology is not risk free, but independent medical and scientific experts have determined that when used properly, TASER technology is among the most effective use-of-force interventions available to law enforcement. No other law enforcement use-of-force tool has undergone as extensive international scientific testing and scrutiny as TASER technology. 

Numerous independent studies - including an extensive, multi-million dollar three-year study conducted by the United Kingdom’s Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in consultation with the British Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB), the British Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the British Defence Scientific Advisory Council Sub-committee on the Medical Implications of Less-lethal Weapons (DOMILL), as well as a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) study involving approximately 20 medical and research doctors from academic, government and private institutions - have reaffirmed the life-saving value of TASER technology. 

A peer-reviewed* study by Journal of Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) suggest a safety margin of greater than 20:1 for human adults greater than 100 lbs -- Acetaminophen has an 8:1 safety margin.

*Peer-reviewed study used adult pigs chosen to simulate range of adult human body weights between 30 and 120 kg (66 lbs. and 264 lbs.). Results suggest a safety index > 20:1 for human adults > 45 kg (100 lbs.)

TASER International has taken it upon itself to implement numerous measures to ensure that its electronic control devices are among the safest and most accountable, use-of-force alternatives in the world. These accountability measures include the development of an on-board computer called the dataport system that records a set of data each time the trigger is pulled. No other use of force option provides this level of accountability through documentation and deployment data.

In addition, we recently developed the TASER CAM™ which is a an integrated video system that records more than 90 minutes of audio and video during a TASER X26 deployment providing yet another layer of accountability. No other law enforcement tool can claim such unique and proven accountability systems that provide a check and balances system in place for each local law enforcement agency.

For citizen accountability, each TASER cartridge is serialized and registered to its user and includes a tracking program that disperses dozens of confetti-sized film at the scene under our Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) program.

To citizens to purchase a TASER X26C or a TASER C2 it comes down three factors:  Registration, verification and tracking.  

TASER X26C:  At the time of purchase, we gather extensive personal information to verify the identity and background of the prospective buyer with the understanding that we will not release the information and it will be kept confidential. This data maintains the integrity of our Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) system as private unless a TASER device is used in the commission of a crime in which we can trace the identity of the unit and the owner of the device through the confetti that is deployment any time our TASER devices are deployed.  Online purchases of TASER X26C units require a valid Social Security Number in which ChoicePoint verifies this information and reviews for felonies, terrorist watch lists and proof of age. The device can then be purchased via credit card which is also verified.

TASER C2:  The TASER C2 is the first device to incorporate a revolutionary new public safety background check technology called CheckLok™. CheckLok, TASER C2 units are shipped in an inactivated state. They cannot be used until the end user successfully completes a background check from the privacy of their own home using a secure web site or a toll-free 800 number. After completing the background check, the user is issued an activation code unique to their serial number. Only after entering the activation code can the TASER C2 be operated.

The TASER CAM provides enhanced accountability above and beyond the TASER Dataport system.  The TASER X26 provides an audio/visual black and white MPEG 4 video of any activation. The monochromatic lens can record video in complete darkness.  The system activates whenever the safety is placed in the “off” position and stops when the system is stopped by placing the safety to the “on” position.  Now, an officer's report not only is corroborated by its internal audit system but it captures the event on video. Imagine seeing the suspect's behavior and hearing the officer's verbal commands. We at TASER International are all about effectiveness.

TASER International’s unique Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) system enforces accountability for each use of the TASER device via the dispersal of tiny unique coded tags every time the device is fired. When police are called to investigate where a TASER device has been used, they can locate these tags and contact TASER International for a complete trace on the serial number.

The main difference in the X26C vs. X26 law enforcement model is that the X26C model uses a 10-second cycle vs. a 5-second cycle and the range. Citizens have 15-foot range versus 25-foot range for law enforcement. Moreover, the X26C trigger can be triggered several times to create a 30-second cycle. The user can then deploy the X26C, squeeze the trigger 3 times quickly to create a 30-second cycle (3 x 10 second cycle = 30 seconds), place the X26C on the ground and depart a dangerous scene while the X26C safely disables the intruder.  The law enforcement version cannot be squeezed multiple times to create back to back cycles. The law enforcement X26 uses a 5-second cycle. It can be overridden by the user but the instant the finger is off the trigger, the cycle stops. Multiple trigger pulls will not change the 5-second cycle either.

For more information on TASER technology, please contact TASER International, Inc. headquarters at:  1-800-978-2737 or info@TASER.com.