Taser guidelines

The S.C. Highway Patrol’s guidelines for use of force say troopers should use only “reasonable and necessary” force. These guidelines cover all weapons, including guns, pepper spray, batons and stun guns.

Here are the specific standards for using stun guns:

• Officers must be trained and certified to carry stun guns. Recertification is conducted annually.

• Officers must conduct a “spark” test at the beginning of each shift to ensure the weapon is working properly.

• The weapon should not be intentionally aimed at a person’s head, neck or genitals.

• Any discharge, other than a test, whether accidental or intentional, must be reported to the officer’s supervisor.

SOURCE: S.C. Department of Public Safety

NATIONAL STANDARDS

In 2005, the Police Executive Research Forum, a national organization that analyzes police force and accountability, issued 52 guidelines for use of stun guns. They include:

• Never use against a passive person and avoid using on young children, pregnant women or the elderly.

• Never allow more than one officer to administer a jolt.

• Never shock a suspect with more than one cycle from the 50,000-volt weapons without first evaluating the suspect’s response to the first.

• Train officers on the proper use and limitations of stun guns. Have stand-alone training.

• Avoid firing the dart form of stun guns at the head, neck or genitals of suspects.

SOURCE: Police Executive Research Forum Web site