When assessing Taser effectiveness, what should officers look for?

When assessing Taser effectiveness, officers should focus on changes in behavior exhibited by the subject. This is significant because a Taser is designed to incapacitate an individual temporarily, allowing for control and compliance. Observing a change in behavior can indicate that the Taser is having the intended effect, such as decreased aggression or an inability to carry on with threatening actions.

For example, if a subject exhibits signs of loss of motor control, muscle contraction, or inability to maintain their previous level of resistance, these behavioral changes serve as indicators of the Taser’s effectiveness. This leads officers to evaluate whether they need to take further action or whether the situation has been de-escalated successfully. Tracking changes in behavior is vital in making real-time decisions during an encounter and ensuring the safety of all parties involved.