TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Security Forces Squadron recently acquired 75 new Tasers from its annual distribution of fall-out funds.
Tech. Sgt. Sean Stanton, a program manager with the 72nd SFS said the X26P model Tasers are the newest models on the market. In addition to the new Tasers, already equipped with holsters, 600 additional cartridges were included in that ticket. A five-year use life for the Taser, the sergeant said, allows for only batteries to be purchased annually and cartridges to be purchased as needed.
At Tinker, any SFS defender on patrol may be armed with a Taser, though they must first be certified. Senior Airman Cassie Loveland, a Taser instructor with the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, is one of six instructors who lead certification courses.
“We teach how to use Tasers effectively. It’s our responsibility at Tinker to teach Use of Force policies and tactics. Taser International Inc itself does not provide any of that,” Airman Loveland said.
“Tasers are defined as less than lethal force, but can still be deadly,” Airman Loveland said. If the individual being tased has a pre-existing heart condition for example, the risk for cardiac arrest and possible death is much greater. If the individual were to be tased while in a body of water, they stand no greater danger due to the water, but stand a much higher chance of drowning due to loss of motor function if not properly monitored by the patrolman. It’s important, Airman Loveland noted, to be aware that the Taser is not the only option available and that deadly force must be met with deadly force.
Tasers are effective against the most aggressive assailants, or individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Taser X26P is designed to immobilize attackers for five seconds per trigger pull, providing single-use/multiple 5 Second cycle capabilities.
“You assume responsibility for the individual once you use the Taser,” Airman Loveland said. “You must be cognizant of dangers to the individual, such as hitting their head when they fall. If you have to pull the trigger more than once, you have to be able to justify why.”
Standard safety procedures are addressed and proper loading, removal and reloading of cartridges are taught in the course. Trainees also fire live cartridges on targets for familiarization. Additionally, part of the certification process includes the voluntary option of being tased.
“It’s not a requirement, but we suggest doing it at least once so that you know what you’re doing when you have to use the Taser,” Sergeant Stanton said.
Trainees learn the ins and outs of the Taser, and how to identify faulty cartridges, holsters or Tasers.
When you’re trying to restrain someone, Airman Loveland explained, you want to avoid touching the wires as this will cause you to feel the effect as much as the subject. Furthermore, if only one wire meets the assailant, the strength of force is lessened, thus allowing greater likelihood of retaliation. Patrolmen are trained with how to react in the event of only one probe striking the subject.
To become Taser certified, SFS defenders must take a six-hour course, accompanied with passage of two written exams and firing of two live cartridges. Certifications must be renewed annually, but refresher courses, Sergeant Stanton said, are much quicker. Certification courses are offered based off of Security Forces’ training schedule and vary depending on day and night shifts.