What safety guideline should be followed when troubleshooting a loaded CEW?

When troubleshooting a loaded Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW), the most important safety guideline is to always point the CEW in a safe direction. This practice helps to prevent accidental discharges that could result in unintended injury to oneself or others. A safe direction typically implies avoiding areas populated with people or sensitive objects and ensuring that the muzzle is directed away from any part of the body or bystanders.

Maintaining the CEW in a safe direction allows the user to safely address any issues that may arise during troubleshooting, ensuring that the device cannot inadvertently cause harm. Straying from this guideline could lead to a dangerous scenario if the weapon were to discharge while being handled.

While ensuring the safety switch is on, keeping the CEW pointed towards the ground, or securing it with two hands are indeed good practices for handling a CEW, they do not carry the same paramount importance as maintaining it pointed in a safe direction. Focusing on the safest possible handling practices is essential for effective, responsible use of the equipment.