TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Research Summary This study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of the TASER® (a conducted energy weapon sold by TASER International, Scottsdale, Arizona) on several dimensions of cognitive functioning. The research demonstrated that in a sample of healthy human volunteer participants, TASER exposure led to significant and substantial reductions in (a) short‐term auditory recall and (b) abilities to assimilate new information through auditory processes. The effects lasted up to 1 hour for most subjects, almost all of whom returned to baseline 60 minutes postexposure. Policy Implications The study applies the findings of reduced cognitive functioning among healthy participants in a laboratory setting to criminal suspects in field settings and questions the abilities of “average” suspects to waive their Miranda rights knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily within 60 minutes of a TASER exposure. The study poses the question: What would it cost police to wait 60 minutes after a TASER deployment before engaging suspects in custodial interrogations?

Overcoming the Challenges of Experimental Research: Lessons From a Criminal Justice Case Study Involving TASER Exposure

“…Virtually, no studies have explored the effects of TASER exposure on the brain, and this is problematic for two reasons. First, a body of research has documented deficits in neuropsychological functioning after exposure to electricity, particularly in memory, attention, and concentration (see Kane & White, 2016, for a review). Given the TASER generates a high-voltage (up to 50,000 V), low-amperage (2.1 mA) current of electricity, the literature on electrical injury provides a backdrop for considering the potential neuropsychological effects among suspects who receive a TASER exposure.…”

“…Given the TASER generates a high-voltage (up to 50,000 V), low-amperage (2.1 mA) current of electricity, the literature on electrical injury provides a backdrop for considering the potential neuropsychological effects among suspects who receive a TASER exposure. Second, lawyers have also questioned whether such declines violate citizens’ Fifth Amendment rights by reducing their capacity to knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waive their Miranda rights (Kane & White, 2016).…”

“…Study results were published in psychology (White et al, 2015) and criminology journals (Kane and White, 2016), with authors recommending that law enforcement agencies consider requiring officers to wait at least 1-hr post-TASER exposure before reading a suspect their Miranda rights and asking questions. The next section reviews the primary ethical, methodological, and logistical hurdles encountered during the study, as well as how those hurdles were overcome.…”

Examining the Effectiveness of TASERS® at Gaining Citizen Compliance

“…The number of U.S. police agencies authorizing the use of conducted energy devices (CEDs), primarily TASERs, has increased substantially over the years (Reaves, 2015), with nearly all departments now permitting their use (Kane & White, 2015). Accordingly, there has been an impressive amount of research across a number of different areas surrounding the weapon.…”

“…Accordingly, there has been an impressive amount of research across a number of different areas surrounding the weapon. For instance, researchers have examined TASERs with respect to frequency of use (e.g., Adams & Jennison, 2007; Brandl & Stroshine, 2017), correlates of use (e.g., Brandl & Stroshine, 2017; Gau et al, 2010), continua placement and policy effects (e.g., Bishopp et al, 2015; Crow & Adrion, 2011), media portrayal (e.g., Ready et al, 2008; White & Ready, 2009), cognitive impairment (e.g., Dawes et al, 2014; Kane & White, 2015), and proximate-related deaths (Bozeman et al, 2009; Zipes, 2012).…”