The neurocognitive effects of simulated use-of-force scenarios

Dawes, Donald M.; Ho, Jeffrey D.; Vincent, Andrea S.; Nystrom, Paul C.; Moore, Johanna C.; Steinberg, Lila W.; Tilton, Anne Marie K.; Brave, Michael A.; Berris, Marc S.; Miner, James R.

doi:10.1007/s12024-013-9510-y

Cited by 19 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Dawes et al. () documented statistically significant declines in neurocognitive performance across all groups for up to 1 hour postintervention, and they reported no statistical differences in scores across the force scenarios. The authors noted that their findings could be used to refute claims involving TASER‐induced cognitive deficits, given that memory is “only transiently affected and, again, the effects are no different than other use of force scenarios” (Dawes et al., : 16).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…For example, one of our secondary, but still noteworthy, findings involves the differences in the severity of the deficit between the Exertion only group and the TASER+Exertion group. Two prior studies have investigated the effects of the TASER on cognitive functioning, and only one of which included multiple force scenarios (Dawes et al., ). Dawes et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dawes et al. () documented statistically significant declines in neurocognitive performance across all groups for up to 1 hour postintervention, and they reported no statistical differences in scores across the force scenarios (i.e., the effects of the TASER were not significantly different from the other force types). White et al.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Given that the TASER generates a high‐voltage (up to 50,000 volts), low‐amperage (2.1 mA) current of electricity, the literature on electrical injuries provides an important backdrop for considering the potential neuropsychological effects on suspects who receive a TASER exposure. Only two known studies have examined the impact of the TASER on cognitive functioning, and the variation in findings across those studies sheds little light on the issue (Dawes et al., ; White, Ready, Kane, and Dario, ). Dawes et al.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dawes et al. () tested cognitive functioning among 57 law enforcement or correctional officers who engaged in five different use‐of‐force scenarios, including 5‐second TASER exposure, 100‐yard sprint, 45‐second simulated fight, K‐9 search and bite activity (in a protective suit), and pepper spray exposure to the face. Dawes et al.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Kane

White

2015

Criminology & Public Policy

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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?

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dawes et al. () documented statistically significant declines in neurocognitive performance across all groups for up to 1 hour postintervention, and they reported no statistical differences in scores across the force scenarios (i.e., the effects of the TASER were not significantly different from the other force types). White et al.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Kane

White

2015

Criminology & Public Policy

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Human Health Risks of Conducted Electrical Weapon Exposure

et al. 2021

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IMPORTANCE Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are used broadly as a less-lethal force option for police officers. However, there is no clear picture of the possible health risks in humans on the basis of rigorously assessed scientific evidence from the international peer-reviewed literature. OBJECTIVE To synthesize and systematically evaluate the strength of published evidence for an association between exposure to different models of CEWs and adverse acute as well as chronic conditions. EVIDENCE REVIEW Following a preregistered review protocol, the literature search strategy was based on a search of reviews published between January 1, 2000, and April 24, 2020, of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library, as well as relevant online databases and bibliographic sources, such as reference sections of recent publications. The identified studies were independently assessed in terms of scope, relevance, methodologic bias, and quality. Peer-reviewed publications of human studies were included, using original data and with a focus on the use of taser CEWs in the context of law enforcement. Eligible studies examined clearly defined health outcomes as dependent variables following exposure to a CEW. The review followed the relevant sections of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline. A meta-analysis could not be conducted. FINDINGS Of the 1081 unique records screened, 33 relevant studies were identified, all of them of experimental design and conducted in the US. Eleven studies had a low risk of bias and 22 had a higher bias risk. Studies focused on outcomes such as physiologic stress responses, heart rate, blood pressure, arrhythmias, or cognitive performance. Independently of bias risk, the studies reported few or no acute health problems, apart from the wounds caused by the darts. Furthermore, no longterm outcomes were studied. Most of the studies were performed on healthy, physically fit individuals (eg, police officers) in a controlled setting, with short exposure duration (5 seconds). Half of the studies, mainly those with a higher risk of bias, were at least partly funded by the manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Based on the findings of the reviewed studies, the risk for adverse health outcomes due to CEW exposure can be currently estimated as low. However, most of the reviewed studies had methodologic limitations. Considering that recruited participants were not representative of the population that usually encounters a CEW deployment, it is not possible to draw conclusions regarding exposure outcomes in potentially vulnerable populations or high-risk groups, such as those under the influence of substances.

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Examining Cognitive Functioning Following TASER Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

White

Ready

Kane

et al. 2015

Applied Cognitive Psychology

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Individuals who experience electrical injury suffer significant, sometimes long-term deficits in neuropsychological functioning. The TASER, an electrical device used by thousands of police departments, generates a high-voltage (up to 50 000 V), low-amperage (2.1 mA) current of electricity that is designed to disable a resistive criminal suspect. Questions have emerged regarding the potential for TASER exposure to cause impairment in cognitive functioning. In the current study, healthy human volunteers were randomly assigned to four groups, two of which received a TASER exposure. Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests before and after receiving their assigned treatment. Participants who received a TASER exposure experienced statistically meaningful declines in measures of verbal learning and memory, although deficits lasted less than 1 hour. After TASER exposure, participants also self-reported significant difficulties with concentration, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. Other dimensions of cognitive functioning were not affected. Our findings show that the effects of TASER exposure on brain functioning are not well understood.

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The neurocognitive effects of simulated use-of-force scenarios

Cited by 19 publications

References 12 publications

TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Human Health Risks of Conducted Electrical Weapon Exposure

Examining Cognitive Functioning Following TASER Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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The neurocognitive effects of simulated use-of-force scenarios

Cited by 19 publications

References 12 publications

TASER® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

TASER® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Human Health Risks of Conducted Electrical Weapon Exposure

Examining Cognitive Functioning Following TASER Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

TASER^® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment