Taser

Question 1

What is the rate of probe spread on a gen 7 taser?

Answer 1

30cm spread for every 3.3 metres of travel

Question 2

How long does each cycle of a gen 7 taser last?

Answer 2

5 seconds

Question 3

What is the purpose of the function test undertaken whenever a gen 7 taser is taken out?

Answer 3

to verify the CEW’s core electronics and both cartridges are working properly

Question 4

What should you always consider before drawing your taser (other than if you are justified in using it)?

Answer 4

before drawing your taser and while using it, you should continually assess the situation and always have a back up plan

Question 5

What is the criteria for drawing and aiming (not using) your taser?

Answer 5

Do not draw and aim your taser unless you consider you are likely to be justified in using it

Also note that you must immediately arm your taser once removed from the holster

Question 6

What is the preferred target zone when deploying a taser, and what are the benefits of targeting this area?

Answer 6

The preferred target zone is the back/rear of body (below neck)

Benefits:
1. it contains larger muscle groups
2. it reduces the risk of hitting all sensitive areas (head, eyes, throat, chest, genitals)

Question 7

What is the secondary target zone when deploying a taser, and what are the benefits of targeting this area?

Answer 7

The secondary target zone is the front of the body (excluding chest and groin)

Benefits:
1. larger muscles in the legs than in the chest
2. more effective to split the belt-line (can cause hips to fold)
3. reduces risk of hitting some sensitive areas (head, eyes, throat, chest)
4. increases dart-to-heart safety margin distance

Question 8

What are the areas you should avoid when deploying a taser?

Answer 8

Head and neck, chest, groin

Question 9

When is it recommended that you re-evaluate the effectiveness of using your taser?

Answer 9

If control has still not been achieved after 3 cycles

Question 10

Who should be notified after a subject is tasered and control has been achieved?

Answer 10

1. Ambulance personnel
2. The shift sergeant / supervisor

Question 11

When should a taser NEVER be deployed, even if it would otherwise be justified?

Answer 11

1. near explosives or flammable liquids and gasses, due to the possibility of ignition (CEWs can ignite fuels, defense and hair sprays)
2. on persons where there is a likelihood of significant secondary injuries for example:
   a fall from an elevated position
3. against a mental health patient solely to make them submit to medication or treatment

Question 12

When should a taser not be deployed, unless exceptional circumstances apply?

Answer 12

• on an elderly or disabled subject
• against a subject who is handcuffed
• against a female suspected on reasonable grounds of being pregnant
• on a small child or subject(s) of particularly small body mass