ST. GEORGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
3-05~05.00

ELECTRONIC INCAPACITATION DEVICE - AD\'- NCED TASER

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12,2000
ALL SWORN MEMBER
DISTRIBUTION:
AUTHORIZAnON: Chief Robert L. Flowers:~'i:;f:.~~~~~~Q:-~~=3-05~05.01

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ELECTRONIC INCAPACITATION DEVICE
The ADVANCED T ASER is a Conducted Energy Weapon; an electronic incapacitation device. It
is a defensive weapon which is listed in the force continuum at the same level as O.c. spray; after soft
empty hands. The ADVANCED TASER functions in two ways:
1)

It uses compressed nitrogen to project two probes a maximum of 21 feet. An

electrical signal is then sent to the probes, via small wires, which disrupts the bodies
ability to communicate messages from the brain to the muscles and causes motor
skill dysfunction.
2)

Acts as a touch stun system when brought into immediate contact with a person's
body.

The decision to use the ADVANCED T ASER is based on the same criteria an officer uses when
selecting to deploy O.c. spray, or a baton. The decision must be made dependant on the actions of
the subject(s) or threat facing the officer(s), and the totality of the circumstances surrounding the
incident. In any event; the use of the ADVANCED T ASER must be reasonable and necessary.
The ADVANCED T ASER is not meant to be used in deadly force situations. The ADVANCED
T ASER should not be used without a firearm back up in those situations where there is a substantial
threat towards the officer(s) or others present.
The ADVANCED TASER provides a force option in which the officer does not have to get
dangerously close to a threat before deploying the lOOI. Using the ADV ANCED TASER may greally
reduce the need for other types of physical force by the officer(s) resulting in serious or potential
deadly injury to the offender, officer, Or others present
Any use of an electronic incapacitation device contrary to the direction of this policy can result in the
revocation of the officer's right to use such product and may subject the officer to disciplinary action.

ISSUING OF THE ADVANCED TASER:
Department personnel shall only carry and use ADVANCED T ASERS or electrical incapacitation
devices approved by the Chief of Police. Members may only use Department issued ADVANCED
TASER cartridges. A record of cartridge serial numbers provided with each weapon will be
maintained in a log book which will be kept with that weapon at all times. The log books will be
audited at least once a year by the Department ADVANCED TASER instructor.
Department issued ADVANCED TASERS may be assigned to patrol supervisor units and specialty
units.

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Other members of the Department may have an ADVANCED T ASER assigned to them as deemed
necessary by their supervisor, other administrators, or Chief of Police.
The shift supervisor should have an ADV ANCED T ASER in their assigned vehicles at all times.

3-05-05.03

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION:
All members who carry and/or use an ADVANCED T ASER must first successfully complete a 4 hour
ADVANCED T ASER familiarization program, to include written and practical tests. Refamiliarization programs will also be completed annually.

3-05-05.04

USE OF AN ADVANCED TASER:
The ADVANCED T ASER is not a substitute for deadly force and should not be used in those
situations. Deployment of the ADVANCED TASER should be backed up with the availability of
lethal force. The ADYANCED T ASER may be used in those situations where:
A.

A subject is threatening himself, an officer. or another person with physical force and other
means of controlling the subject are unreasonable or could cause injury to the officer(s), the
subject(s) or others

B.

In cases where Officer / Subject factors indicate the officer(s), offender(s) or others would
be endangered by the use of physical force.

C.

Other means of lesser or equal force have been ineffective and the threat still exists to the
officer(s), subject(s), and others.

D.

Center mass of the body should be the target area when firing an ADVANCED T ASER,
particularly the center mass of the back; as clothing tends to be tighter on this part of the
body. The head and face should not be targeted unless the appropriate level of force can be
justified.

The ADVANCED TASER will never be used punitively or for purposes of coercion. It is to be used
as a way of averting a potentially injurious or dangerous situation. The ADVANCED TASER has an
effective range of 3 to 13 feet, with a 15 foot cartridge; and 3 to 19 feet with a 21 foot cartridge.
Ranges under 3 feet may not provide adequate distribution of the probes to allow the unit to function
properly.
The ADVANCED TASER has the ability to ignite flammable liquids. It will not be deployed at
subjects who have come in contact with flammables, or in environments where flammables are
obviously present.
Proper consideration and care should be taken when deploying the ADVANCED TASER on subjects
who are in an elevated position or in other circumstance where a fall may cause substantial injury or
death. Officers must be prepared to justify such a deployment.

3-05-05.05

DUTIES AFTER DEPLOYl\1ENT:
Irnrnediate action should be taken to care for the injured, to apprehend any suspects, and to protect the
scene.
Once the subject is restrained or has complied; the ADYANCED T ASER should be turned off.

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An ADVANCED T ASER will not be left unattended except in exigent circumstances as when an
officer is forced to act alone in taking custody of an immediate threat.
Medical personnel will be summoned to the scene to assess the subject. If the exam or other
circumstances dictate the subject needs further medical treatment; the subject will be transported [0
the nearest medical facility. Medical treatment will not be refused for anyone who requests it.
Probes located in sensitive areas such as the face, neck, groin or breast will be removed by medIcal
personnel.
Removal of probes in other areas may be done by officers; at the discretion of the on scene supervisor.
Officers will provide first aid following removal of the probes by applying iodine or alcohol wipes,
and band-aids to the probe sites as needed.
Photographs will be taken of probe impact sites and any other related injuries.
Probes that have been removed from skin will be treated as bio-hazard "sharps". They should be
placed point down into the expended cartridge bores and secured with tape.
Officers will attempt to locate the yellow, pink and clear colored "micro-dots" dispersed at the time
of the cartridge firing. These will be collected and placed into evidence with any expended cartridges.
Involved personnel will attempt to locate and identify any witnesses to the incident.
Officers shall refrain from discussing the jlicident until the arri val of an on scene shift supervisor or
other administrator. The involved personnel will brief them of the circumstances surrounding the
incident and what action has taken place.
The deploying officer(s) will complete an ADVANCED TASER Use Report.
Book the offender into jail or take other appropriate action.
subject was controlled by use of an ADVANCED T ASER.

Jail personnel shall be informed the

Subjects controlled by the use of an ADV ANCED T ASER will not be transported face down.

3·05-05.06

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The first supervisor on scene should ensure that proper care is given to injured officers and/or citizens.
He/She should ensure all responsibilities of the officer have been carried out regarding care for the
injured, apprehension of the suspects and protection of the scene.
The supervisor shall enSure the proper notifications of Department staff are made, as soon as possible.
The shift or on scene supervisor shall notify the Patrol Lieutenant if any traumatic injury has occurred
due to the use of force involving the ADVANCED T ASER. The Patrol Lieutenant will then notify
the Captain(s) and Chief of Police.
The Patrol Lieutenant shall determine if detectives are to be called to investigate the incident
A Supervisory ADVANCED TASER Use Report shall be completed and forwarded to the Patrol
Lieutenant, Captain(s), Chief of Police. and ADV ANCED T ASER instructor.

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All other written reports associated with the incident shall also be completed before the end of the shift
and forwarded in the same manner.

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE DEPARTNIENT POLICY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND.

Signature of Employee

. Date

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List personnel who removed dart(s):

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Approximate distance of dart launch:
Did the application cause an injury to the subject or others?
If yes, explain:
----'-

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Yes J No
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Did the ADVANCED TASER application gain compliance from the subject(s)?
Yes I No
Subject's demeanor after the ADVANCED TASER was displayed or deployed:

Additional Infonnation

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Application areas - Points of contact

Synopsis:,

Report completed by:,

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P.O.#

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St. George Police Department
Supervisory ADVANCED TASER Deployment Report
Date / Time:

Date / Time of the Incident:

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Subject's Name:

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Was subject booked into jail? Yes / No
Charges:

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Location of the Incident:

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Nature of the Call or Incident:

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Officer(s) involved:

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Supervisor(s) notified of Incident:

On Scene: Yes / No

Administrator Notified:

On Scene: Yes / No

ADVANCED TASER serial #:

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Cartridge serial #(s):
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Type of Force used or Displayed by Subject (Check all that apply) () Physical
( ) Impact

( ) Cutting instrument

() Fireann

() Other

Explain:

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List weapons recovered:
Type of other Force used by Officer(s)(Check all that apply): ( ) Physical
( ) O.c. Spray ( ) Baton () Less Lethal ( ) Fireann ( ) Other
Explain:

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Nature of Subject(s) Injuries (if any):

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Cause of Injury (if known):
Medical exam: Yes / No

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Medical Treatment required: Yes / No

Performed by:
.Medical Facility:
Admitted to Hospital for injuries: Yes / No
Admitted for Other (list):

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Suspect under the influence of: Drugs / Alcohol/Other
List substance(s) if known:
Confirmed by:
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Summary of the actions of the officer(s) involved:

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List any Officer, Police employee, volunteer or citizen injured:

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Nature of injuries:

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Suspect Data
Age:

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Sex:- - -

Height:

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Weight:

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Race:

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Clothing description:

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Application Data
(List number of each)
Warnings:
Verbal: Yes / No

Laser on target:

Number of cartridges fired:
Number of stun contacts:

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Arc display:

Number of dart contacts:

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Number of darts penetrating skin:

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