Outcomes Assessment of Conducted Energy Weapons (Taser) Applications and Training Implications

• In Event: Police Equipment

Abstract

Managing the law enforcement organization in a highly litigious society can be a challenge for the police executive. The police use of force continues to be a high liability topic and implementing strategies which appropriately guide officers in the reasonable use of force is a critical management responsibility. Providing training to officers and closely monitoring and assessing the outcomes of an officer’s use of force by the police executive represents important risk management strategies in managing the organization’s use of force system. Using a content analysis, data from field applications of Conducted Energy Weapons (Taser) from 249 law enforcement national and international agencies over 15 years was examined (2002 to 2017). Annually, law enforcement agencies collect data regarding the field applications of the CEW and report it to AXON (TASER International) and forms the database for the analysis. The analysis resulted in an outcomes index model comprising 12 common components. Implications of the outcomes model regarding field applications, regarding policy revisions, developing advanced training, directing supervisor practices in the field, and litigation reduction are presented. Recommendations for further field outcome assessments of the CEW applications and future research is addressed.

Author

• Darrell Lee Ross, Valdosta State University