When can a verbal warning about TASER deployment be omitted?

A verbal warning about TASER deployment can be omitted when it could endanger officer safety. In high-stress situations where a suspect may be actively resisting, threatening, or behaving aggressively, a verbal warning may provide the suspect with the opportunity to further escalate the confrontation. If the officer assesses that announcing their intention to deploy the TASER could result in an immediate risk to themselves or others, omitting the warning becomes a critical decision for ensuring safety.

In circumstances where the suspect is armed, while it may raise concern, the emphasis is often placed on immediate de-escalation to prevent violence. The case of a compliant individual does not necessitate omitting a warning because their cooperation indicates that a warning may still be effective. Similarly, an officer's personal belief regarding the necessity of a warning could lead to subjective judgments that do not prioritize safety, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, safety concerns take precedence in the decision-making process regarding verbal warnings before deploying a TASER.