TASER® Electronic Control
Devices (ECDs): Field Data and
Risk Management
October 12, 2009
Orange Co Sheriff’s Office FL
Deputy Injury Reduction
Phoenix PD AZ
First Top-10 City to Deploy to All Patrol Officers
Suspect Injuries 2004
67%
Ventura Co Sheriff’s Dept CA
2007 First Year Field TASER ECD Results
Deputy Injuries
72%
• Deputies used the TASER ECD 123 times in 2007
• The study showed a 72 percent reduction in injuries to
deputies in 2007 for the first full year in which VCSO deployed
TASER ECDs when compared to the average annual number
of injuries for 2003, 2004 and 2005.
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.”
Durham PD NC
Use of Force Reports 2008
Physical Contacts
50%
75%
• Use of force reports have been reduced by half
• Physical contact with suspects declined from an avg
of 6 to 1.5 incidents per month while pepper spray
use was down from 3.8 to 0.75 times a month on avg
• “The No. 1 thing is that it cuts down on injury. The
more often a suspect and officer engage in physical
confrontation, the more likely someone will get hurt.”
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%
Wichita Police Dept KS
Prevent Higher Escalation of Force 2007
6
1147
Yes
No
Glenn Co Sheriff's Office CA
Suspect Injuries
2006-2009
Deputy Injuries
2006-209
0
0
• The Glenn County Sheriff's office uses the TASER
ECD equal to OC’s level of force
• During 2006 they deployed the TASER 14 times
with no injury to officers or suspects
• All 35 times the TASER ECD was effective in
taking the suspects into custody
Maui Police Dept HI
Officer and Suspect Injuries Decline as TASER ECD
Use Rises Despite Use of Force Increases During
2004-2008
Officer Injuries
Suspect Injuries
7%
8%
• 2004: 26 officer injuries in 169 incidents
• 2008: 17 officer injuries in 215 incidents
Putnam Co Sheriff’s FL
Deputy Injuries 2005: M26 for ALL Patrol Deputies
86%
• “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 deputy, 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,” said Sheriff Dean Kelly.
Putnam Co Sheriff’s FL
2007 Field Statistics
• 46 TASER ECD uses in 82 cases requiring force
– Firearms were fired during only three incidents
• 18 other use of force reports consisted of physical
takedowns by deputies, police dog takedowns and
pepper spray use
• “When you hit someone with a baton, you’re going to
do damage, period. We went from seeing deputies
injured frequently in arrest sequences to it being
practically negligible. We’ve actually lost track of the
last documentable deputy injury as a result of a
physical struggle with a suspect. We think it was in
2000 or 2001,” said Maj. Gary Bowling.
South Bend Police Dept IN
Officer Injuries 2004
66%
• Since July 2003, TASER systems were deployed
632 times. No serious injuries have occurred
because of their use
• Over 200 TASER ECDs were deployed by patrol
officers and half of the city’s detectives. SBPD has
armed all 261 sworn officers.
Journal Gazette, March 06, 2006
• During July, 2003 – March 6, 2006, South Bend Police
Department deployed TASER ECDs 632 times in a city with
110,000 residents, said Gary Horvath, chief of community
relations. No serious injuries have occurred because of
TASER ECD use.
• “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.”
• TASER ECDs have at least twice prevented people from
killing themselves, according to Horvath.
Southfield Police Dept MI
Officer Injuries 2006-2008
83%
• “In some of those cases officers might have been
required to subdue the suspect,” said Chief Joseph
Thomas Jr., “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.” (SPD deploys 165 TASER ECDs)
Orlando Police Dept FL
Officer Injuries
Suspect Injuries
60%
50%
• A 2008 US DOJ funded study determined whether the
introduction of the TASER ECD into an agency affected
injury outcomes to officers or subjects with a Pre-Post
ECD empirical assessment
• Monthly rate of subject injuries (per force incident) was
reduced by more than 50% after ECD introduction, while
officer injuries were reduced by more than 60%
Austin Police Dept TX
Officer Injuries 2004
Serious Suspect Injuries 2004
50%
82%
• 334 uses in 2004 equalled 33.4% of all force reports
• “Much of this reduction (in injuries) can be
attributed to the availability of TASERs”
• Use of TASER ECDs 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 suspects”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD NC
Officer Injuries 2004
Suspect Injuries 2004
59%
79%
• The report revealed at least 19 cases in which
officers faced subjects with weapons and were able
to get them under control using TASER ECDs
instead of escalating to deadly force
Cape Coral Police Dept FL
Officer Injuries 2002-2004
93%
Suspect Injuries 2002-2004
68%
From memo “…the rationale for the (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 (TASER) program as
designed and continue efforts for full deployment as
soon as practical.”
Topeka Police Dept KS
Officer Injuries 2003
46%
Suspect Injuries 2003
41%
• "When an officer pulls the TASER out, people give up,"
said Sgt Dave Thomas, “That happens a lot.”
• Thomas points to Topeka police records showing that in
2002, officers used force in 237 incidents. In 2002, there
were 14 injuries to officers and 35 to civilians, decreases of
46 percent and 41 percent. “That's significant,” Thomas
said.
• The department now has 147 TASER X26 units
Sarasota Police Dept FL
Officer Injuries 2006
65%
• In the first six months after SPD began using the
X26, the department saw a 65% drop in officer
injuries as of December 19, 2006
• In 2006, officers have used TASER ECDs less
because the threat is often enough to force a
resisting suspect into compliance
Leon County Sheriff's Office FL
Deputy Injuries 2004
65%
• The number of injuries to LCSO deputies
decreased about 65% after they were first used in
2004
• LCSO Deputies state that since they began using
TASER devices three years ago, they've seen a
drop in having to use other kinds of force to make
arrests
Hialeah Police Dept FL
Injury Data Snapshot Oct 2003 - Nov 2005
Out of 264 TASER ECD deployments, no serious
officer injuries occurred while two officers received
minor injuries. Of the 264 incidents, 263 suspects did
not receive any serious injuries. Success rate: 95%.
Eight suspects received the following injuries.
• Laceration to his chin as he fell on the hood of a vehicle as
he resisted arrest and was subjected to an M26
• Laceration to the forehead as suspect fell to ground
• Four separate cases whereby the suspects received
lacerations to facial area from the falls
• Chipped tooth while struggling and hit furniture
• Received a gun shot wound
Rapid City PD SD
Officer Injuries 2006 as of Dec 11, 2006
• Rapid City PD reported 63 on-duty injuries, 36 of
which were related to arresting violent suspects
including 91 suspects obstructing or resisting arrest
• Officer Don Hedrick believes the TASER program
is 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
• Chief Steve Allender said that TASER ECDs might
lower the numbers of officers injured while
arresting violent or resistive suspects
Omaha Police Dept NE
Officer Injury Comparison 2003-2005
90
80
70
60
50
2003
2004
2005
40
30
20
10
0
Use of Force Injuries to Officers
• Deployment of only 59 TASER X26s over three shifts and only
133 of 800 sworn officers trained to carry TASER X26s
Omaha Police Dept NE
Officer Injury Comparison 2003-2005
2003-2004
33%
Officer injuries
dropped 47% after
implementing the
TASER X26*
2004-2005
21%
2003-2005
47%
* Injuries to officers sustained during the physical
arrest of suspects
Garner Police Dept NC
Since full deployment of the TASER X26 in 2004
Officer Injuries
Suspect Injuries
6%*
20%
Actual TASER Deployment Following
TASER ECD Draw From Holster
38%
* Suspect injuries went down 6% (GPD considers the
TASER application by itself to cause minor injury)
Australia
Queensland Officer Assaults Reductions as of 2007
40%
• “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.
Queensland Australia
1st Year Field Trial Suspect and Officer Injuries: 0
• “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”
Australia
Riverina Officer Assaults Reductions as of 2007
50%
• “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.”
El Paso Police Dept TX
Officer Assaults Reductions as of 2007
86%
• 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
El Paso Police Dept TX
Officer Assaults Reductions
Year Fielded TASER ECDs Officer Assaulted**
2000
0
520
2001
0
492
2002
0
506
2003
10*
378
2004
110
298
2005
260
174
2006
590
73
2007
947
65
*Initiated in December 2003
**Includes any grade of injury
Cincinnati Police Dept OH
First 1,041 Field Results
Officer Injuries
2004
Suspect Injuries
2004
56%
35%
Citizen Complaints
Traditional Overall
2003
Use of Force
975 of 1050 officers
took volunteer
exposures with no
injuries
50%
50%
Cincinnati Independent Monitor
Final Report December 2008
• “Over the course of the Agreements, we have seen vast
improvement within the Cincinnati Police Department
relating to oversight and accountability, particularly in the
area of force and the investigation of force incidents.
…the end result is favorable to the Department, the
City of Cincinnati, and the diverse community they
serve.”
• “The Monitoring Team also noted a significant decline in
serious force-related incidents at this time. We attribute
much of this decrease to the department-wide
deployment of the TASER. Our review of use of force
reporting and investigative files showed that the
TASER replaced other types of force in the majority
of incidents. Moreover, injuries to officers and
citizens also declined.”
Cincinnati Police Dept OH
2004 - 2008
Cincinnati Police Dept OH
2004 - 2008
Columbus Police Dept OH
Six-Month Field 2005 Results
Officer Injuries
23%
Citizen Complaints of
Prisoner Injuries
Excessive Force
24%
Impact Weapons
24%
OC Spray
Strikes, Punches & Kicks
21%
32%
37%
Columbus Police Dept OH
2005 Six-Month Field Results
• There were 12 documented incidents where
subjects attempting suicide were stopped and
taken into custody preventing their deaths
• There were 14 incidents officers responded to
where deadly force was justified, but officers were
able to use time, distance, and barriers to deploy
the TASER system as the response versus using
deadly force to control the subjects
Howard Co Police Dept MD
Six-Month Field 2008 Results
22 TASER X26 deployments:
• 15 laser sight uses gained compliance when
physical force was justified
• No TASER ECD related IA complaints or
investigations
• 10 % reduction in Use of Force incidents
• 62 % drop in Use of Force complaints
• 15 percent drop in Worker’s Compensation
• 0 reports of “ill effects specific to TASER” use
• Recommendation: Double the amount of TASER
X26 devices from 25 to 50
• Mandatory training exposures for officers required
PA State Troopers Field Results
• “The response from troopers in the field has been
completely positive. 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.
• “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,” said Commissioner Jeffrey
B. Miller
Concord Police Dept CA
Review of Field Results 2006 vs 2005
Officer Injuries
65%
Impact
Weapons Use
34%
Suspect Significant Overall Use of Force
Injuries
0
Physical Take Down
38%
21%
OC Spray Use
100%
Toronto Police Services ON
2006 Field Results of 174 Deployments
Success Rate
94%
• Officer Injuries:
• Suspect Injuries:
• Statements of
Claims or Issues:
0
0
0
“The TASER has been
proven to be an effective
intermediate force option for
front-line policing in the de38%
escalation of violent
incidents and is being used
across the city of Toronto.”
Toronto Police Services ON
2008 Field Results of 367 Deployments
• Officer Injuries:
0
• Suspect Injuries:
0
• Claims or Issues:
1
• Breakdown of Use:
• 80% by front line officer
• 20% by Emergency Task Force (ETF)
• 65% Assaultive Behavior
• 24% Serious Bodily Harm
• 4% Active Resistance
• 3% Passive Resistance (suicidal subjects)
• 94% Effective
Durham Regional Police ON
2008 Field Results of 42 Deployments
Officer Injuries:
Suspect Injuries:
3rd Party Injuries:
0
1 - Minor
0
Force Presence Only: 18
Drive Stun Mode: 10
Full Probe Deployment: 15
Effectiveness : 40 of 42 (2 clothing/distance issues)
Armed Suspects: 9 of 42 armed
38%
Hamilton Police Services ON
2006 Field Results
• TASER ECDs deployed 60 times in 2006 or 31%
less than in their inaugural year
– Deputy Chief Ken Leendertse attributes the
decline in part to the fact that the community is
becoming more aware of the TASER ECD and
says often, suspects will actually back down at the
mere sight of the officer pulling a TASER ECD out
– He said the TASER ECD is deemed an
intermediate use of force option, as are the baton
38%
and pepper spray, and can be used when
someone is actively resisting police
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
2006 Field Results Nationwide in Canada
• The TASER ECD is deployed upon three out of four
suspects that are unarmed in a review of 563 cases
• A Canadian Press analysis of TASER ECD incidents
reported by the Mounties reveals that more than 79
percent of those were not brandishing a weapon
• In just over one-fifth of the cases, the suspect had a
knife, bottle, club or other weapon
• The figures, compiled from hundreds of pages filed
by RCMP officers, highlight that TASER ECDs
38%help
control dangerous situations with minimal injury
Nova Scotia RCMP
2005-2007 Field Use Results
• RCMP officers in the province drew their TASER
ECDs 132 times between 2005 and 2007
• In 85 percent of the cases suspects were drunk or
high on drugs
• In 40 percent of the cases the suspect was armed
• “We certainly want to take away from people's
minds that we use them at any given moment.
That's certainly not the case at all,” said RCMP
Sgt. Mark Gallagher.
• Instead, he said, the TASER ECD is used 38%
by
officers who are “trying to defuse situations the best
way we can with the least injury to anyone.”
Ottawa Police Service ON
Deployments
• TASER ECDs deployed 112 times in seven years
– Ottawa police patrol supervisors deployed TASER ECDs
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
• TASER ECDs were deployed 12 times in 2007
– The lower number can be partially attributed to the fact
that patrol supervisors have only recently been given the
option of deploying the TASER ECD, said Ottawa Police
Staff Sgt. Syd Gravel. Previously, tactical officers were
the only members of the force with the necessary training
to use them.
38%
Niagara Regional Police &
Hamilton Police Services
2007 Field Results
• Niagara Regional Police deployed the TASER
64 times as of mid-November 2007
• Hamilton Police deployed TASER ECDs 32
times in the first six months of 2007
– In cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and
Winnipeg, where frontline patrol officers
are authorized to deploy TASER ECDs,
38%
the use of the device is more frequent
Winnipeg Police Services AB
2006 Field Results
• Winnipeg Police deployed TASERs ECDs 160 times
– In comparison, 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
• There have been no reports of death or significant
injury related to their use since Winnipeg Police
began using TASER ECDs in 2006
38%
• There have been no substantiated allegations made
about TASER ECD use
Winnipeg Police Services MB
Jan-Nov 2007 160 Field Use Results
• 50 probe deployments; 45 drive stuns; 65
laser sight compliance
– In 65 cases (approx 40%), just showing a
TASER ECD or threatening to use it was enough
to rein in an out-of-control situation. “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,
38%
that's enough,” said Deputy Police Chief Doug
Webster
Vancouver Police BC
2002-2007 150 Field Use Results
• TASER ECD used 150 times from 2002 thru 2007
• “In every case, there was a high level of violence,”
according to VPD Cst Jana McGuinness. “There
were people armed, in many of the cases, armed
with knives, armed with shards of glass, whatever
their weapon of choice.”
• “In many, many cases, it just stops the incidents, and
less harm occurred to our members and to the
people involved. In many cases, it was not
necessary to actually fire the TASER (ECD).
Violent
38%
behaviour stopped just at the sight of it, or even a
suggestion that it might be used,” said McGuinness.
Delta Police BC
2002-2008 47 Field Use with 31 TASER ECDs
Delta with 160 police officers, displayed their TASER
ECDs 47 times with 27 actual uses over the past six
years
“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. “... the police are
mandated to resolve violent situations which often result in
violent and dangerous people being taken into custody.
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,” said Delta
police chief Jim Cessford.
38%
New Zealand Police
2007 One-Year TASER ECD Trial
• “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. TASER (ECDs) provide a level of
force that fits between the two options, and will both
save offenders lives and, most importantly, protect
officers,” says New Zealand First law and order
spokesperson Ron Mark.
38%
New Zealand Police
2007 One-Year TASER ECD Trial
• 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.
• “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. If the delay is due38%
to public
relations concerns, the trial result speaks for itself,”
said Mark.
Peel Police Services ON
TASER Information
on next two slides
Use of Force Reports Submitted
TASER Deployments
2005 254
40 (July – Dec. 2005)
2006 247
46
2007 207 (as of Oct. 31, 2007)
56 (as of Oct. 31, 2007)
Total number of certified TASER X26 users in Peel Regional Police
as of December 5, 2007
434
Total number of TASER X26 devices operational in the Region of
Peel
41
Number of officers confirmed to have been exposed to a TASER
exposure
248
Total number of active civil suits involving the TASER:
(There was one civil suit that was filed, but later withdrawn by the
plaintiff due to lack of evidence.)
0
Number of TASER qualified officers given questionnaire on their
use of the TASER in 2006
Number of officers who completed questionnaire
350
95
Number of estimated incidents in 2006 where TASER presence
caused subject to comply. (TASER not deployed)
385
Number of Use of Force incidents in 2004 (our last full year before
front line TASER implementation
Number of officer injuries in 2004 - 84
192
Number of Use of Force incidents in 2006 (first full year of front line
TASER implementation)
Number of officer injuries in 2006 - 47
247
The vast majority of our TASER deployments have occurred when a subject
has displayed assaultive behavior.
Minneapolis State Patrol MN
Deployments
• The State Patrol currently has 93 TASER ECDs
• The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said
the patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project until
August 2007 before adding TASER ECDs to trooper
equipment used statewide.
• During the pilot project, TASER ECDs were
displayed 27 times and fired 33 times with no
known health-related incidents occurring during the
test period, according to an agency news release
38%
Council Bluffs PD, IA
TASER ECD Deployments 2004-2008
• TASER ECDs deployed 271 times
–No serious injuries
–No lawsuits as of February 16, 2009
“Since we started using TASERs, we have less of an
issue of injury to officers and arrestees. 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. I'm not an attorney, but if you
strike someone with a baton and break a bone, who
knows how much the city is going to be sued 38%
for.
TASERs have been good for the department and the
city,” said Sgt. Patrick Norris
Medicine Hat Police AB Canada
Deployments 2002-2007
• Medicine Hat Police Service with 104 sworn officers
in city with a population of 60,000
• 2006 Deployments: 23
• Since 2002 No TASER Deployment has resulted in
a Criminal Investigation against a member.
• No “Serious Injury” or ill effects recorded
• No Sudden In Custody Deaths that involved prior
use of a TASER ECD
38%
Minneapolis Police MN
Deployments and Injury Reduction 2001 to 2006
75%
• TASER ECDs deployed 232 times in 2006, with no
serious effects
• Spokesman Jesse Garcia said officer injuries are
down 75 percent since TASER ECDs were introduced
in 2001 and called TASER ECDs “an invaluable,
38%
necessary tool that helps bring a suspect under
control with less injury to both officers and suspects”
San Jose PD CA
San Jose 2006 Year End Summary
San Jose, CA PD
San Jose 2006 Year End Summary
Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH
2007 Field Results
Total
Arc
Deploy- Probe Drive Dis- Desired No Effective
Division ments Hits Stun play Effect Effect
%
Courts
Patrol
SWAT
51
1
19
1
25
1
13
1
Warrants
Totals
5
77
4
44
Corrections
14*
1*
5
20
11
1
1
13
50
1
16
1
1
4
72
1
5
3
98.03%
100%
84.21%
100%
80%
93.50%
Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH
2008 Field Results
Total
Arc
Deploy- Probe Drive Dis- Desired No Effective
Division ments Hits Stun play Effect Effect
%
27
25*
2
53
1
98.14%
Courts
Patrol
SWAT
54
**
26
1
21
4*
1
21
1
5
80.76%
100%
Warrants
Totals
6
87
5
53
5
31
1
3
5
80
1
7
83.3%
91.95%
Corrections
Franklin Co Sheriff’s OH
2007 and 2008 Field Results
• “Based on the data it appears the TASER
(ECD) has been, and will continue to be, a
useful less than lethal option that in all
probability has reduced injuries to both office
personnel and those who have been
(exposed to the TASER ECD).”
Syracuse Police Dept NY
May 2005 - May 2007 Field Results
181 incidents with TASER ECDs Summary:
• Only one suspect injury reported during the first
two years since city police began carrying them
in mid-May 2005
• 76 suspects were subjected to TASER ECD
probe deployments
• 47 suspects were “drive stunned”
• 41 suspects gave up with laser sight
compliance only
• Eight people were hit with both probes and
drive stun mode
Syracuse Police Dept NY
May 2005 - May 2007 Field Results
• Suspects were overwhelmingly male (164 to 17)
• Race: 97 African-Americans; 71 Caucasians; 6
Hispanics, one identified as biracial and six
listed without race; while at least five dogs were
stunned
• Nearly 50% of the suspects were under the
influence of alcohol or drugs
• During the first full year of TASER ECD use,
65.7 percent of these incidents involved suicidal
individuals, violent suspects or civil
disturbances
Syracuse Police Dept NY
May 2005 - May 2007 Field Results
• First Deputy Police Chief Michael Heenan
considers TASER ECDs the best thing to happen
to law enforcement since the two-way radio
• Injuries to his officers have gone down since
TASER ECDs were introduced, as have
complaints against police and the number of
suspects who resisted arrest, according to
Heenan
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• From Jan 2001 - Dec 2008, TASER ECDs were
used in 1,488 incidents, averaging 16 incidents per
month.
• TASER ECD deployment occurrences:
– Fights and disturbances (23%)
– Violent crimes (16%)
– Drug/alcohol incidents (15%)
– Emotionally disturbed/suicide calls (11%)
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• 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%.
• TASER ECD deployment occurrences:
– Males (93%)
– Ages fall across a wide age spectrum. 63% are
35 years old or younger. The largest age group
is 21-25 years old.
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• The racial breakdown of subjects:
– 46% African American
– 41% Caucasian
• Types of TASER ECD application:
– Dart projectile mode 58% of the time
– Drive stun mode in 34% of incidents
– Both modes 18% of the time
• Nearly ¾ of these 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.)
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• One-fifth of these subjects have been armed.
– Most of the armed subjects (76%) hit by a
TASER ECD 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 the
subjects hit by a TASER ECD were were armed
and impaired.
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• Verified TASER ECD contact was obtained in 77%
of the incidents. Where there was verified contact,
the TASER ECD 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 ECD was
credited with controlling the subject or bringing the
situation to a resolution.
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• Subject injuries are relatively low in TASER ECD
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 ECD incidents
– In another 41% of these incidents, the only
injuries were dart/stun abrasions from the
device itself
• There were no injuries to officers in 83% of these
incidents (this finding has been stable)
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Data as of December 2008
• 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 ECD was deployed.
– In police encounters with violent and mentally ill
subjects (often subjects in TASER ECD
incidents), as many as 40% of the officers and
the subjects may sustain injuries, according to
national studies
Green Bay WI PD Field Results
18 Month Review Dated February 2006
• In 84 deploys only 2 injuries occurred beyond
punctured skin from probe
• No injuries to officers
• “Although not a deadly force tool, the X26 TASER
has been used at least seven (7) times to gain
control of offenders who were posing a significant
and potentially deadly force threat to officers or
others. Therefore, the use of this tool prevented at
least seven potentially deadly force incidents.”
Madison PD WI Field Results
MPD’s Review of TASER Field Data from January 2005
• “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-offorce 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
6
Boise Police Dept ID
Field Results
• TASER ECDs deployed by BPD 120 times during
July 2002 - December 2004
• None of the subjects involved died as6 a result of,
or in connection with, the use of TASER ECDs.
• The only serious injury 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 ECD use on
persons on elevated surfaces.
Boise Police Dept ID
Recommendations
• Current policy does require officers to carry a firearm
and pepper spray. Given that TASER ECDs are,
under certain circumstances, a less-lethal
6 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
ECD must be as important as carrying a firearm or
pepper spray
Knoxville Police Dept TN
Field Results of Number of TASER ECD Deployments
Year by Year
1998: 2
1999: 0
6
2000: 3
2001: 1
2002: 3
2003: 2
2004: 2
2005: 39
2006: 79
2007: 30 (Jan. 1-April 29, 2007)
Oakland Co Sheriff’s Office MI
Deputy Injuries in
TASER Incidents
Excessive Force
Lawsuits
Suspect Injuries in
TASER Incidents
0
0
0
• 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.)
Long Beach Police Dept CA
Internal Affairs Complaints July 2004 - June 2005
9%
• 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.
Long Beach Police Dept CA
July of 2004 - June of 2005
Injuries to Officers
25%
Liability claims
33%
• 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”
El Paso Police Dept TX
Complaints and TASER Deployments
Year
TASER ECDs Complaints Force Related
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007*
0
0
0
10
110
260
590
947
667
757
771
811
530
384
400
209
*YTD
**No TASERs Until December 2003
N/A
142
183
198
93
111
98
52
Deployments
0
0
0**
23**
350
230
194
111
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
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
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.”
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.
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
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
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.
Officer Involved Shootings
Use of Force Data
# of Incidents
Orange County Sheriffs, Florida
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1999
2000
2001
2002
Chemical
300
263
221
154
Physical
78
75
52
70
0
1
2
-
62
60
48
70
13
12
228
482
# of Incidents
Impact Rounds
K9
14
Batons
12
TASER
10
8
6
4
2
0
27
0
5
21
13
Firearms Use
3
Year
4
0
Wichita PD KS Prevent Higher
Escalation of Force
43
16
730
Yes
No
No Info
Phoenix Police Dept AZ
Officer Involved Shootings in 2003 vs. 2002
Following Full Deployment of TASER ECDs to All Patrol
Officers
54%
San Diego Co Sheriff’s Dept CA
Deputy Involved Shootings 1997 - 2007
• In 2005 SDSD saw 10 deputy
involved shootings and began
buying TASER ECDs at the
end of 2005
• There were zero deputyinvolved shootings in 2007
• “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,”
said Undersheriff Bill Gore.
Fort Worth PD TX
Officer Involved Shootings 2000 - 2008
30%
• 1,360 ECD deployments since 2001 - Aug 2009
• 41 police shootings occurred from 1992 - 2000 vs
there were 29 shootings from 2000 - 2008
• “Overall, the TASER has proven for us to be an
effective force option because officers can engage
with others from a distance. 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.”
Oklahoma City PD Field Results
Officer Involved Shootings from 2001 to 2003
2002
58%
2003
15%
• 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.
Ventura Co Sheriff’s Dept CA
Deputy Involved Shootings in 2007 vs. Past Six Years: 0
100%
• 17 deputy-involved shootings in the Ventura
County sheriff's jurisdiction from 2000 to 2006,
• Statistics kept since 2002 indicate that the majority
of those shootings involved mentally ill suspects
• There were no lawsuits filed related to the
department's use of TASER ECDs.
Seattle PD WA Field Results
Officer Involved Shootings in 2003 vs. Past 15 Years: 0
100%
• For the first time in 15 years, the Seattle Police
Department did not have a single fatal shooting
involving an officer in year 2003 (0 shootings =
100% decline)
• “We think a large part of what happened in ‘03 was
a result of TASERs,“ said Seattle Police Chief R.
Gil Kerlikowske”
Miami PD FL Field Results
Physical Controls and Firearm Discharges
Physical Controls
• 2000: 493
• 2001: 303
• 2002: 100
• 2003: 103
Firearm Discharges
2000: 24
2001: 18
2002: 12
2003: 0
• These are not correlations but note that the
TASER program began May 28, 2002 and
currently MPD deploys 499 TASER devices
El Paso PD TX
Field Results
SWAT Callouts
Officer Involved
Shootings
75%
66%
Number of SWAT
callouts went from 18
per year to 6 per year
Officer Involved
Shootings dropped
from average of 8 per
year to 2 per year.
In 2004 there were
none.
Houston PD TX Usage
• As of December 20, 2006, Houston Police Chief
Harold Hurt said TASER X26s were used 982
times between December 2004 and October
2006
• In 39 instances, officers involved would have
been justified in using deadly force instead of
stunning them, Hurtt said
Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review
• “It's a perfect law enforcement weapon if it is used
at the right time, under the right conditions,” Bay
County (BCSO) Sheriff Frank McKeithen said. “It
protects both officers and suspects.”
• The number of times TASER ECDs 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, Panama
City Police Dept (PCPD) and Panama City Beach
Police Dept (PCBPD)
• Florida State University criminology professor Bill
Doerner said increased TASER ECD use is a trend
likely to continue
Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review
• Since 2005, PCPD has used TASER ECDs in 85
use of force instances, about 34 percent of its
use-of-force cases. Since 2005, no PCPD police
officer has been judged to have used force
improperly
• “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.”
Florida Usage Feb 2009 Review
• 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 exposed to TASER ECDs while threatening
to commit suicide
• "You could say that eight of those deployments
saved lives," he said
Spencer PD IA 3 Year Review
• Since January 2006, Spencer police officers have
turned on the weapon and pointed it at a subject
36 times. In 26 instances, the laser dot was
enough to gain suspect compliance.
• “We're very happy with it,” Chief Mark 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. “As those pepper spray canisters
have expired, I have not replaced them. We only
have a couple of officers left with valid pepper
spray. Once that is gone, it is phased out.”
Sherburne Co Sheriffs MN
Deadly Force Incidents
• As of 1/15/2008, for the third time in the past 18
months, Sherburne deputies used a TASER ECD
to subdue a suspect armed with a deadly weapon
and who didn't comply with verbal commands
• The two other cases involved suspects who had
firearms and refused officers' commands, "We've
brought all three of those incidents to resolution
without having to use deadly force," Capt Joel
Brott said.
• The department handled approximately 42,491
calls for service in 2007 with approximately 29
sworn members
Dallas Police Dept TX
In 23 of 429 deployments, TASER ECDs prevented
deadly force outcomes Nov 2004 – Sept 2005
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
11/2/04, EDP subject charged officers with a hammer.
12/28/04, aggravated robbery suspect armed with handgun; refused verbal commands.
1/1/05, disturbance call; man possibly armed with rifle, AP was armed with 12” saw and yelled at officers to
shoot him.
2/25/05, EDP subject held 8” blade butcher knife to his throat.
3/3/05, AP had handgun in his possession and fought with officers.
3/21/05, call on a man with a gun, as officers searched suspect he ran and dumped gun, before fighting with
officers who caught up with him.
4/2/05, during warrant, AP fought with officers, grabbed butcher knife and held to his own throat.
4/5/05, EDP suspect armed with scissors fought with officers.
4/16/05, AP threatened suicide with .380 handgun, set gun down and a TASER system was deployed when he
attempted to pick gun back up.
4/27/05, attempted suicide, charged officers and firemen with butcher knife raised above head.
5/10/05, aggravated robbery suspect, rammed officer’s vehicle and then fought with officers.
5/13/05, drug dealer ran from officers and stopped by a TASER ECD while holding gun in his hand trying to flee.
5/22/05, AP turned toward officers while holding a .38 revolver.
5/29/05, EDP standing in street swinging a 30” sword while threatening police and citizens.
6/5/05, traffic stop, while fighting with officers had 9mm handgun fall from waistband.
6/12/05, suspect waiving gun in air, ran from police, when confronted took fighting stance.
6/25/05, drug induced suspect hid under bed covers and threatened officers that he had a gun.
7/5/05, fought with officers while he had a 7” blade butcher knife concealed in sock.
7/20/05, attempted to take officers weapon.
7/26/05, robbery by assault suspect (280 lbs.) fought with officers.
8/7/05, suspect armed with handgun while fighting officers.
9/7/05, suspect armed with knife while fighting police.
9/19/05, suspect armed with knife while fighting with police.
El Paso Police Dept TX
Deadly Force Incidents
• Potential Deadly Force Incidents Resolved in
Non-Lethal Manner as a Direct Result of TASER
Availability 2005 to July 2007
23
• According to El Paso PD, the majority of these
incidents were “emotionally disturbed persons
with edged weapons in a crisis situation”
French National Police
Officer Involved Handgun Use
• The French National Police and Gendarme were
issued 4,615 TASER ECDs as of September 23,
2008.
• They were used 280 times last year without
causing serious injury, cutting handgun use by 15
percent, according to police chiefs.
15%
Workers Compensation
Granite City Police Dept IL
Workers Comp Expenses
TASER Introduced
• 2002: GCPD at risk of being privately un-insurable
• TASER ECDs were 1 of 3 elements to eliminate
injuries for 2 years (data through Sept 2004)
Wichita Police Dept KS
Workers Comp Comparison 2005-2007
28
Actual injuries involving
physical altercations
dropped 45.8% in a oneyear period after
implementing the TASER
ECD and 28.21% during
the second year of
TASER ECD deployment.
Houston Police Dept TX
Workers Comp Expenses
$2,126,200
• 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
New South Wales Australia
Workers Comp Expenses Affected by Officer Assaults
$93,000,000
40%
• 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.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD NC
Annual Workers Compensation Claims
Comparing 2002 to 2004
31%
Peoria Police Dept IL
Workers Compensation Claims
1st full year of TASER ECD Program
Sept 2004 – Sept 2005
$180,000
Minneapolis Police Dept MN
Comparison of Force Types
• 43.2% of physical force events in 326 incidents
resulted in subject injury (141) resulting in 36
officer injuries
• 20% of impact weapon strikes in 10 incidents
resulted in subject injury (2) with zero officer
injuries
• 5.8% of TASER X26 deployments in 154
incidents resulted in subject injury (9) with zero
officer injuries
Minneapolis Police Dept MN
Workers Comp Cost Associated
with Use of Force
2004
$23,461
2005
$117,418
2006
$34,060
Indemnity
$2,995
$43,454
$1,328
Misc Exp.
$146
$177
Medical
$0
These injuries are due to protracted physical
struggles with arrestees that resulted in joint
injuries and fractured bones
Minneapolis Police Dept MN
Based on Minneapolis Report, TASER systems:
• Save lives
• Reduce injury
• Reduce citizen complaints
• Reduce liability costs
Trotwood Police Dept OH
Workers Compensation Expenditures 2006
• Only one Workers Compensation expenditure
during any arrests involving TASER system
deployments during Sept 1, 2005 – Oct 20, 2006
– 48 sworn officers (now 52)
– Source: Trotwood Public Safety
Director/Deputy City Manager, at IACP Boston
Conference on October 16, 2006
Bridgeport Township PD MI
Seven sworn officers deploy two TASER X26 ECDs
with one TASER CAM
2006: Four total TASER ECD incidents: Two actual
probe deployments, one drive stun and one
documented laser display. No injuries to suspects
or officers occurred during these incidents.
2005: Eight TASER ECD incidents, five actual
probe deployments and three drive stuns.
Bridgeport Township PD MI
TASER X26 incidents decreased by 50% from 2005
to 2006.
The TASER Instructor doesn’t have any specific
statistics on officer or suspect injuries, but believes
“the physical altercations have decreased
dramatically. ”
Omaha Police Dept NE
Workers Compensation Expenditures 2003-2004
$350,000.00
$300,000.00
$250,000.00
$200,000.00
2003
$150,000.00
$100,000.00
2004
$50,000.00
$0.00
Use of Force Injuries to Officers
Workers Compensation expenditures dropped 45% after implementing
the TASER X26*
* Injuries sustained during the physical arrest of a suspect.
Omaha Police Dept NE
Workers Compensation Expenditures 2004
Details: Work Comp expenditures dropped by 74% in a 5 month
period after implementing the TASER X26*
$140,000.00
$120,000.00
$100,000.00
28 Injuries
$120,877
Jan-May
$80,000.00
$60,000.00
Jan-May
Jun-Dec
$40,000.00
$20,000.00
$0.00
29 Injuries Jun-Dec
$31,549
Us e of Force Injurie s to Office rs
* Expenditures for injuries sustained during the physical arrest of a suspect.
Arrests and TASER Reports
Ft Myers FL ‘04 Arrest Results
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• 14,280 total arrests
• 328 arrestees resisted
• 310 incidents in which TASER system deployed (or
roughly two per every 100 arrests)
Ft Myers Police Department
15%
• 7,832 total arrests
• 577 arrestees resisted (267 required force)
• 105 incidents in which TASER system deployed
• "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.
Colorado 2005 Stats Only
• Denver Police Department:
– 73 uses during 66,988 arrests. 0.1% of all arrests
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department:
– 23 uses during 10,825 arrests. 0.24% of all arrests
15%
• Grand Junction Police Department:
– 56 uses during 5,178 arrests. Approx 1% of all arrests.
• Pueblo Police Department:
– 31 uses during its 8,804 arrests. 0.35% of all arrests
• Mesa County Sheriff’s Department:
– 18 uses during 1,804 arrests. Approx 1% of all arrests.
• Montrose Police Department:
– 5 uses during 692 arrests. 0.7% of all arrests
Colorado 2005 Stats Only
• Rifle Police Department:
– Deployed TASER ECDs in 1.2% of its arrests
• Longmont Police Department:
15%
– Reported that TASER ECDs were used in 1.7% of its
arrests
• All other state law enforcement agencies
surveyed, with exception of the Longmont and
Rifle police departments, reported using TASER
ECDs in a lower percentage of arrests last year.
– Stats courtesy of: Mike Saccone, - Saturday, June 17th, 2006
“The Daily Sentinel” in Grand Junction, CO
Chico Police Dept CA Study
• A study by Chico Police Department reveals the
following from year 2003 (no TASER ECDs) to
2004 (with TASER technology).
• Despite an increase of 53% in Use of Force cases
2003 to 2004 at CPPD:
15%
– Officer injuries declined by 50%
– Suspect injuries declined by 16%
• Source: “Executive summary: Report on the Use of Force incidents
at Chico Police Department 2003-2004”
Chico Police Dept CA Study
In the years 2003 and 2004 combined:
Comparison of Injuries
TASER Technology Reduces Injuries
80%
70%
Suspect
Injured
79%
60%
50%
53%
40%
40%
20%
Baton
0%
2% 0%
Suspect
Taken to
Ground
2%
10%
Force Type
TASER
Deployed
30%
Officer
Injured /
Affected
Chico Police Dept CA
Study Findings
• 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
15%
Omaha Police Dept NE
250,000
911 Calls for
Service
200,000
Criminal
Arrests
150,000
TASER X26
Deployments
100,000
50,000
0
2003
2004
2005
TASER Programs Save
Costs & Lives First Study 2003-2004
Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority
(MMRMA) Study:
• 40+ agencies
• 432 TASER system deployments
• 1 injury
• 0 claims related to the TASER system
• TASER systems reduced excessive force
litigation by 54%
• MMRMA reimburses agencies for TASER
purchases
Mich Municipal Risk Mgmt Auth
Field Stats 2003-2008
• 123 agencies taking part in TASER® Risk
Avoidance Program (RAP) with ≈5000
officers. 75 departments complied with
incident reporting requirement (60%).
• 1,768 TASER incidents consisting of:
–
–
–
–
1,002 TASER ECD probe deployments
560 drive stuns
132 presentations
74 Ineffective
Mich Municipal Risk Mgmt Auth
Field Stats 2003-2008
• Of the 1,768 incidents
• 83 reported secondary injuries or 4.6%
• 3 significant injuries or 0.0016%:
– 1 injury reported
-- probe contact to the eye
28
– 1 injury reported -- infection developed while
at hospital (second party involvement)
– 1 injury reported -- probe contact to the head
Excessive Use of Force Reports
125
84
66
61
46
28
68
57
49
17
Reported Losses for Excessive
Use of Force Claims
Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Claim Amounts
$2,712,979
TASER Illegal
$ 922,147
$2,081,971
$7,068,232
TASER Legal
$6,448,316
$6,085,516
$ 831,943
$ 508,340
$ 366,600
Mich Municipal Risk Mgmt Auth
Field Stats 2003-2008
• MMRMA did not receive any claims, notice of
claims or lawsuits for excessive force involving its
members utilizing the TASER ECD in 2008
• Of the 1,768 TASER ECD uses during last 6 years:
• 27 incidents (1.5%) have been reported:
–
–
–
–
7 closed with $0 distribution
9 closed with $255,500 total distribution
Average of $28,389 per incident
Of the remaining 11 incidents which remain as open and
active in litigation, none appear to offer significant
opposition to their defense
United Kingdom Field Results
The number of TASER ECD uses has increased
as more officers have the authority to use them
• The 3rd qtr 2008 statistics from a 12-month trial that
extended the use of TASER ECDs to specially
trained units show 159 uses and 26 discharges in the
last three months. Overall they were used 411 times
and discharged 57 times since the trial began in
September 2007.
• Figures also include all TASER ECD uses across
England and Wales since it was first introduced in
April 2004. Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses
and 834 discharges.
United Kingdom Field Results
• “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.”
─ said Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary
• “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.”
─ said Home Office Minister Tony McNulty
Steve Tuttle
Vice President of Communications
Email:
Phone:
Steve@TASER.com
480-905-2006