The conducted energy weapon (CEW) was formerly known as the electronic immobilization device (TASER). This policy establishes Department requirements for authorized CEWs issued by the Department.
The CEW is designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject from a safer distance than some other force options, while reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury.
CEW exposure causes certain effects, including physiologic and metabolic changes, stress, and pain. CEW applications may contribute to cumulative exhaustion, stress, cardiac, physiologic, metabolic, respiratory, and associated medical risks which could increase the risk of death or serious injury. The risk of death or serious injury may increase with repeated, prolonged, or simultaneous CEW exposure. A CEW in probe mode may cause muscle contractions that may result in injury, including bone fractures. The sudden loss of body control caused by a CEW induced neuro-muscular incapacitation (NMI) can also increase the risk of catastrophic head, neck, or spine injuries due to falls.
The Department has categorized the CEW as a less-lethal weapon as defined in MPP section 5-06/040.05, Use of Less-Lethal Weapons.
Department members shall only use CEWs authorized by the Department. A list of approved CEWs is available from the Weapons Training Unit.
Department members assigned to the Custody Operations Division are to follow CDM section 7-08/030.00 – Electronic Immobilization Device (TASER) Procedures.