Use of Tasers by the Fargo Police Department
The Taser X26 is one of the newest examples of technology the Fargo Police Department utilizes to protect both officers and the public.
How it works
The Taser X26 is a conducted-energy weapon which utilizes compressed nitrogen to expel two small probes up 21 feet. These probes are connected to the weapon by high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes make contact with the target, the Taser X26 transmits powerful electrical pulses through the wires and into the body of the target.
The taser uses electrical energy to affect the signaling mechanisms used by the human body to communicate. The electrical output simply jams the communication system of the body. The taser sends a series of energy pulses quite similar to those used by the brain to communicate with the body. These waves, known as T-waves, overpower the normal electrical signals within the bodies nerve fibers. The target instantly loses muscular control of his or her body and cannot perform coordinated action, usually falling to the ground.
See a video demonstration
of how this tool works. Visit our download center to obtain a media player if you don't have one installed on your computer.
A tool for law enforcement
Even though North Dakota has one of the lowest crimes rates in the country, police still encounter situations where force is needed to subdue a subject who is resisting them. In the past, officers had to rely on batons, pepper spray or hands-on techniques to restrain an uncooperative person. The taser gives Fargo Police another, less-lethal use of force option. The taser is designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject while greatly reducing the chances of long-term effects to them. It also lowers the risk of injury to officers by reducing the chance of a physical altercation occurring.
Tasers are used to overcome active aggressive individuals who need to be temporarily incapacitated. They may be used when a subject is threatening to hurt someone or displaying behavior which indicates he/she might do so. The taser could also be used when an individual is harming themselves or another person.
Fargo Police officers first started carrying tasers in March 2004. Before the department implements any new tool or technique into our Defensive Tactics Program, it must go through a strenuous evaluation and research phase by our defensive tactics instructors and the department administration. We first started researching this product in 2002. We developed training, procedural and implentation plans specific to the Fargo Police Department before we even purchased the tasers.
Fargo Police Taser training
Finally, we started the most important phase of the process, the training of our officers. Each officer was required to go through a four-hour training course which deals with the tactical and mechanical workings of the tool. This is above and beyond the 36 hours of defensive tactics training a new officer receives prior to being allowed to patrol the streets.
We also have ongoing mandatory training in a wide variety of defensive techniques and the use of weapons. One of the cornerstones of this training is scenario training. This allows officers to experience a wide variety of situations in a training environment. One of the issues we cover in scenario training is when different levels of force are appropriate. Officers are taught not only how the taser works, but more importantly, when to use it.
Using the Taser
According to North Dakota state law and City of Fargo policy, a police officer, "in the lawful performance of his or her duties, need not desist from their efforts because of resistance or threatened resistance by, or on behalf of, the person to whom the officers actions are directed." In other words, when a person resists arrest, is a threat to the public or the officer, it is lawful for an officer to overcome the resistance or threat. One option may be for the officer to use the Taser.
Where deadly force is not authorized, officers should assess the incident in order to determine which less-lethal force technique or weapon will best de-escalate the incident and bring it under control in the safest manner. When officer are thinking of using the taser as an option, they need to examine three important points:
- The severity of the offense or incident
- The necessity of taking the subject into immediate custody
- The overall safety of all involved.
The use of the taser is not intended to replace the firearm or the use of deadly force under circumstances that would otherwise justify the use of such force.
We've used the taser a number of times and found it to be an effective tool when used correctly. As with any tool, however, it is important to use the right tool for the right job.
We have found the public is extremely curious about the taser, which has given us the opportunity to provide information about it. We have found a majority of people who take the time to understand the taser and how we as a department use it have a positive attitude about its use. As with any cutting- edge technology, we continue to work through potential bugs in the system. Our department works hard to keep up with the changes that are needed to make this tool as effective and safe as possible. We continue to re-evaluate our policies and training to maximize the effectiveness of this tool.