This is the first of a two part series. The next article will provide some solutions to the issues raised in this article.
Last year we were teaching a use of force class for the police academy. In the past our scenarios forced recruits to use a variety of control methods: nightstick, pepper spray, firearm, hand and leg strikes, and muscling techniques. This time the recruits had the option of using a TASER and the results were quite different. Instead of using the most appropriate technique, they used the TASER for almost every scenario. After class, we began wondering if we were witnessing the beginning of a TASER generation.
The TASER generation is defined by the almost exclusive use of a TASER for situations that require force. Their reasons are understandable. TASERs have been used by some police departments since the 80s but recently they exploded into widespread use by almost all law enforcement agencies. Officers like them because they can render a suspect’s size and strength advantage virtually meaningless. Administrators like them because fewer officers get hurt and suspects receive fewer and less severe injuries. Because of this policies are written to allow TASER use in a wide range of circumstances.
There are some problems with this situation that are not readily apparent but should be addressed.
The Toolbox Gets Smaller
Officers start their career with a variety of weapons and techniques in their use of force toolbox. Some officers become so familiar and comfortable with a particular weapon it becomes not only their primary tool, it is their only tool. Their reliance on that weapon causes them to mentally dismiss the other weapons and lose their skills with them.
I have seen this happen with K9 officers and their dog. They get a false sense of security feeling their dog will protect them in any situation. When their dog fails, the officer’s brain vapor locks because they have not used their other weapons in so long they forget or are slow to transition to them. The same can happen to the TASER generation. The TASER works great time after time causing them to rely on it exclusively. When it fails, they vapor lock.
Most older officers don’t seem to have that problem because they have used the other tools their whole career and are comfortable with them. Transitioning comes easier for them.
For a man with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail
When your favorite tool is a TASER, you tend to tase everything, even when it is not the best option. This can be reflex. We you repetitively use something you stop consciously thinking about it, like driving a car. That reflex can cause you to tase someone that could have been handled a better way. I have seen people tased that posed almost no threat to officers and muscling techniques would have more appropriate. Tasing old people and small females often fall into this category.
Lack of engagement - Underaggressive
Closing distance and fighting suspects is not as comfortable as shooting them at a distance with a TASER. Instead of grabbing a suspect and controlling them, some officers will stall keeping a reactionary gap and looking for a less confrontational option. This hesitation can empower a suspect to escalate the situation and cause a higher level of force to be used than initially necessary or get beyond the ability of that officer to control the situation.
Bite off more than you can chew - Overaggressive
In contrast to lack of engagement, some will use the TASER to bite off more than they can chew.
Many officers call TASERs the great equalizer. When it works effectively, the TASER can negate a suspect’s strength or size advantage. Reliance on it may cause you to take a poor position or take action when a wise officer would have contained the situation and waited for more help. If the TASER fails, you are in a bad spot.
This is part 1 in a 2 part series called The TASER Generation Issues and Solutions for New Police Officers.
- Part 1: The TASER Generation: Issues for New Police Officers
- Part 2: The TASER Generation: Solutions for New Police Officers
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My dept will be fielding the Taser within the year. You bring up some good points. I am looking forward to getting them though. We have had some “ugly situations” that would have been much easier to resolve with the Taser.