The TASER® is a type of conducted energy weapon (CEW) used with increasing frequency by law enforcement to subdue subjects in circumstances where compliance is necessary. When operated in the drive stun method of deployment, the electrodes at the head of this CEW are intended to make direct contact with a surface, generating heat and light which may result in burn marks as a by‐product of the electrical discharge that occurs. This research aims to tackle a crucial gap in CEW research that fails to address the appearance of burn marks on fabrics. A drive stun duration (DSD) of 1, 3, and 5 s was used with three TASER models (X26P, X2, & TASER 7) on three fabrics (white 100% cotton, 100% polyester, 35:65 cotton‐polyester blend) with an underlying backing of pork hock. Using a Keyence VHX‐6000 confocal microscope, high magnification images were taken to observe any qualitative changes to the fabric. On polyester fabric, with increasing DSD, darker brown discoloration occurred. Additionally, on polyester fabric, the spatial orientation of the burn marks corresponded with that of the electrodes at the muzzle of each TASER model. These features enabled the correct identification of the TASER model and DSD on polyester fabric in the blind tests performed. Evidence of burn marks on cotton and blend fabrics were both limited and inconsistent such that no features were sufficiently unique to link them to any TASER model or DSD. Despite this, overall features such as discoloration and the formation of holes on these fabric types may be sufficiently unique to suggest the use of a CEW.
TASER® weapons are conducted energy weapons (CEWs) that are frequently used by police departments around the world. CEWs can be deployed in two methods: drive stun application and probe deployment. This study aims to examine damages caused by TASER devices on fabrics and whether types of fabric material and TASER models could contribute to different damage features. Three types of white fabric were used, including 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and 65:35 polyester‐cotton blend. Three models: TASER X26P, TASER X2, and TASER 7 were shot onto each type of fabric, with five repetitions each. Each damaged area on the fabric caused by a probe is a sample (n = 90) and was examined with a Keyence digital microscope. Images were captured by the Keyence microscope and measurements were recorded, including damage dimensions, fabric condition, evidence of burning, and extra findings. The presence of fused yarn ends was found to be statistically significant across the fabric types, and no damage features were found that may assist in the identification of TASER models. Other damage features including damage dimensions, discoloration, and fiber deformation were not found to be showing apparent differences according to statistical analysis. The conclusions made by this research should be used with caution due to the small sample size.
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