Examining the Effectiveness of TASERS^® at Gaining Citizen Compliance

Abstract

Since their emergence within the field of policing, the use of conducted energy devices (CEDs) has produced a great deal of debate. However, few empirically rigorous studies have shed light on the extent to which CEDs (e.g., TASERs) are actually successful at gaining citizen compliance. As such, we examine 918 TASER cases collected from three police agencies to assess effectiveness in relation to citizen compliance. Findings demonstrate that officers generally classify the TASER as effective, but the level of effectiveness varies depending on whether it was used in probe or drive-stun mode. Multivariate regression models also identify a number of significant variables related to TASER effectiveness, including citizen (e.g., height, weight, gender, impairment) and officer (e.g., gender) characteristics. We discuss the findings in relation to those found in prior studies, as well as implications for research, policy, and practice.

Fatal officer involved shootings following the use of TASER conducted energy weapons

“…A common characteristic related to ineffective application of CEWs repeatedly found in media reports is the intoxicated state of the suspect. White and Ready (2010) and Somers et al (2020) find that applications are less effective on suspects who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Suspects impaired from drugs or alcohol are less likely to feel the NMI effects of a CEW in probe mode and might have higher pain tolerance when subjected to a drive stun.…”

“…However, White and Ready (2007) believe that the application is less effective on aggressively resisting subjects because that resistance could lead to broken wires during probe deployment and avoidance of direct contact in drive stun mode. Somers et al (2020) claim that a suspect’s carrying a weapon can also diminish an officer’s aim, thus preventing contact with the target in both probe and drive stun modes. Additionally, if a suspect is fleeing, it becomes more difficult for an officer to hit the target, thus making the application less likely to be effective.…”

“…Consequently, no effort is made here quantitatively to describe the variables that lead to ineffective applications. However, a few studies have attempted to quantify those variables (Brandl and Stroshine, 2017; Somers et al, 2020; Sung, 2019; White and Ready, 2007; 2010), and other variables prevalent in news reports appear related to those effects. These fall under three categories: situational, suspect, and officer variables.…”

“…Brandl and Stroshine (2017) report that effectiveness does not vary according to suspects' height, weight, or sex. However, White and Ready (2010) hold that the CEW is less effective on suspects weighing more than 200 pounds, and Somers et al (2020) report that height, weight, and sex could impact effectiveness due to the relative strength of the suspect and the size of the target area. Analysis of open-source records offers little guidance on the debate over the suspects' stature, but as noted above, officers are more likely to shoot and kill men after a failed application of a CEW than they are to shoot and kill women.…”

“…Officer variables. Officer characteristics, such as years on the job, are related to effectiveness due to an officer's experience in using a CEW and the techniques that the officers are trained to use (Somers et al, 2020). Officers with more experience are more likely to find ways to increase the effectiveness of the CEW in tense situations.…”