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Taser Law Enforcement Warnings 2010

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TASER® X3™, X26™, and M26™ ECD Warnings, Instructions, and Information:
Law Enforcement
Important ECD Product Safety and Health Information
These safety warnings are for your protection as well as the safety of others. Disregarding this information
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could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
Complete Training First

Significant differences exist between each of the TASER International, Inc. (“TASER”) Electronic Control Device (“ECD”) models.
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Do not Use or attempt to Use any ECD model unless you have been trained and certified by a Certified TASER Instructor on
that particular model.

Read and Obey

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Read, study, understand, and follow all instructions, warnings, information, training bulletins and TASER training materials
before Using the ADVANCED TASER® M26™ ECD, TASER X3™ ECD, or TASER X26™ ECD. Failure to comply with these instructions,
warnings, information, training bulletins, and TASER training materials could result in death or serious injury to the User, force
recipient, and others.

Obey Applicable Laws

Use the ECD only in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and other regulations or legal requirements.
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Your law enforcement agency’s Guidance must also be followed . Any Use of an ECD must be legally justifiable. Resistance
to law enforcement interaction incurs substantial risk of death or serious injury and subjects who resist law enforcement
assume all such risks of death or serious injury.

These warnings are effective May 1, 2010, and supersede all prior
revisions and relevant Training Bulletins. The most current warnings are
online at www.TASER.com.
This warning label appears on newer ECD models.

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These warnings are state of the art but cannot address all possible ECD application circumstances or permutations. They are intended to inform Users about reasonably foreseeable potential risks of harm. The decision
to Use the ECD in a particular manner or circumstance must follow applicable legal standards. These warnings do not create a standard of care. Herein, the singular is also the plural, the plural includes the singular, and
the masculine is also the feminine.

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The terms “Use,” “Used,” “Using,” or “User” include, but are not limited to: acquiring; accessing; entrusting; providing; possessing; storing; handling; manipulating; carrying; holstering; drawing; brandishing; displaying;
deploying; utilizing; drive-stunning; using alligator or other types of clips or attachments; or discharging an ECD.

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A Certified TASER Instructor possesses and maintains a current TASER instructor certification for the specific product model they are teaching, demonstrating, or Using and is required to be fully compliant with TASER’s
most current training requirements and materials.

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Current TASER Instructor Training materials may be obtained by contacting TASER’s Training Department.

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Law enforcement agencies are force and force tools experts and are solely responsible for their own Guidance. “Guidance” includes, but is not limited to, policy, procedure, rule, order, directive, training, continuum, and
standard. TASER has no power or authority to mandate or require Guidance, set policy, require training, or establish standards of care or conduct.

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Law enforcement agencies, government entities, and Users are sophisticated purchasers, sophisticated users, and learned intermediaries with respect to law enforcement weapons (including ECDs), force, force use, legality
of force use, and reporting.

Scope and Purpose
This document presents important safety warnings, instructions, and information intended to reasonably
minimize hazards associated with ECD deployment, intended Use, side effects, and environment of Use.

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CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

Confronting, apprehending, capturing, controlling, restraining, incapacitating, taking persons into custody,
and maintaining custody are often high risk events that could result in death or serious injury.
When lawfully Used as directed, ECDs are designed in probe-deployment mode to temporarily incapacitate a
person from a safer distance than some other force options, while reducing the likelihood of death or serious
injury. Any use of force, physical exertion, capture, control, restraint, or incapacitation involves risks that a
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person may get hurt or die.
Within this document certain safety signals and signal words are used to call attention to safety messages.
The safety alert symbol is used to alert Users to potential injury hazards. ALWAYS
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to reasonably minimize the risk
of death or serious injury when the ECD is Used and to enhance safe operation
of the ECD.

WARNING

The signal word WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided
or heeded, could result in death or serious injury. It is intended to direct the User’s
attention to hazards that may not be obvious, but may be reasonably mitigated
by heeding training and instructions, or avoiding certain actions, circumstances,
or behaviors, thereby improving the safety of the ECD. WARNINGS may be
followed by instructions and information integral to the WARNING.

Safety Information: ECD Deployment and Use
WARNING
Minimize Repeated, Continuous, or Simultaneous8 Exposures

Reasonable efforts should be made to minimize the number of ECD exposures. ECD Users should use the lowest number of
ECD exposures that are objectively reasonable to accomplish lawful objectives and should reassess the subject’s resistance
level before initiating or continuing the exposure.

Control and Restrain Immediately

Begin control and restraint procedures, including restraining the subject during ECD exposure, as soon as reasonably safe
and practical to do so in order to minimize total ECD exposure. The ECD User, and those individuals assisting the User, should
avoid touching the probes, wires, and the area between the probes to avoid accidental or unintended shock during ECD
electrical discharge.

Sensitive Body Part Hazard

When possible, avoid intentionally targeting the ECD on sensitive areas of the body such as the head,
throat, chest/breast, or known pre-existing injury areas without legal justification. The preferred target
areas are the lower center mass (below chest) for front shots and below the neck area for back shots.

Perform Spark Test Prior to Each Shift
ECDs must be safely spark tested prior to each shift.

Avoid Misuse

Use an ECD only for its intended purpose, in legally justifiable situations, and in accordance with User’s agency’s Guidance.

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“Almost every use of force, however minute, poses some risk of death.” Garrett v. Athens-Clarke County, 378 F.3d 1274, 1280, n.12 (11th Cir. 2004).
“Simultaneous” means delivery to the body of electrical charge by multiple ECDs or multiple completed circuits at the same time.

Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

Never Confuse Handgun with ECD

Confusing a handgun with an ECD could result in death or serious injury. ALWAYS follow your agency’s equipment carrying
and holstering location Guidance and training regarding distinguishing between handguns, other weapons, and ECDs.

Be Aware of Trigger-Held Continuous Discharge

If an ECD’s trigger is held back it can continue to discharge beyond the 5-second cycle until the trigger is released or the
power source is expended.

Be Aware that an ECD or Cartridge May Fail to Fire, Operate, or Be Effective

No weapons system, tool, technique, or ECD is always effective. If an ECD, cartridge, or accessory is inoperable, fails to
function, or the intended ECD application is ineffective in achieving the desired effect, consider reloading and redeploying,
using other force options, disengaging, or using other alternatives according to agency Guidance. The failure of the ECD to
fire, operate, or be effective could result in death or serious injury.

Prepare to Redeploy ECD or Use Backup Plan

Always prepare to redeploy the ECD or Use a backup plan. Be familiar with backup plans and acceptable alternatives in the
event of ineffective deployment.

Incapacitation, Falling, and Startle Hazard

ECD Use may cause muscular contraction, Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (“NMI”), startling, and falling, which could result in
death or serious injury.

NMI and Secondary Injuries
An ECD may cause NMI if probes are within sufficient proximity to complete a circuit, with sufficient spread, and an adequate
circuit is completed and maintained rendering the subject temporarily unable to control movement and may cause a fall.
Also, ECD use may cause a startle response. This loss of control or startle may increase risk of death or serious injury resulting
from loss of balance, fall, change in momentum, drowning, or loss of control of any mode of transportation, conveyance, or
machinery. Especially at risk is a person who:
•	 Could fall and suffer impact injury to the head or other area;
•	 Is on an elevated or unstable surface (e.g., tree, roof, ladder, ledge, balcony, porch, bridge, crane, dock, chair, bunk bed, or
stair);
•	 Is less able to catch or protect self in a fall (e.g., restrained, handcuffed, incapacitated, or immobilized);
•	 Could fall on a sharp object (e.g., holding a knife or other edged weapon or sharp object on ground);
•	 Is running, in motion, or moving under momentum;
•	 Is operating or riding in or on any mode of transportation (e.g., vehicle, bus, bicycle, motorcycle, cart, train, or airplane),
conveyance (e.g., escalator, moving walkway, elevator, skateboard, skates, or rollerblades), or machinery;
•	 Is located in water, mud, or marsh environment if the ability to move is restricted; or
•	 Is physically infirm, elderly, or pregnant.

Eye Injury Hazard

If a TASER probe, electrode, or electrical discharge contacts or comes into close proximity to an eye it could result in serious
injury, including permanent vision loss. DO NOT intentionally aim an ECD at the eye of a person or animal without justification.

Laser Light Could Result in Serious Eye Injury

The ECD uses a LASER as a targeting aid. Avoid intentionally aiming the LASER at the eye of a person or animal without
justification. NEVER aim the LASER at aircraft.

Fire and Explosion Hazard

ECD Use could result in a fire or explosion when flammable gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or materials are present. An ECD
can ignite explosive and flammable clothing or materials, liquids, fumes, gases, or vapors (e.g., gasoline, vapor or gas found
in sewer lines or methamphetamine labs, butane-type lighters, or flammable hair gels). Do not knowingly Use an ECD in
the presence of any explosive or flammable substance without legal justification. Note that some self-defense sprays use a
flammable carrier, such as alcohol.

Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

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Safety Information: ECD Known and Potential Side Effects
WARNING
Always follow and comply with all instructions, warnings, information, and current TASER training materials to reasonably
minimize the risks associated with possible Use and side effects listed below.

Muscle Contraction or Strain-Related Injury

ECDs can cause strong or moderate muscle contractions that may result in physical exertion, athletic, or sport-type injury,
including, but not limited to, injury such as hernia, rupture, dislocation, tear, or other injury to soft tissue, organ, muscle,
tendon, ligament, nerve, bone, or joint. Fracture to bone, including compression fracture to vertebrae, may occur. These
injuries may be more serious and more likely to occur in people with pre-existing injuries, conditions or special susceptibilities,
which include but are not limited to, known or unknown: pregnancy; osteopenia; osteoporosis; spinal injury; or previous
muscle, disc, ligament, joint, bone, or tendon damage or surgery. Such injuries may also occur when a person reacts to the
ECD deployment or discharge by making a rapid movement.

Physiologic or Metabolic Effects

The ECD can produce physiologic or metabolic effects which include, but are not limited to, changes in: acidosis; adrenergic
states; blood pressure; calcium, creatine kinase (“CK”); electrolytes (including potassium), heart rate and rhythm; lactic acid;
myoglobin; pH; respiration; stress hormones or other biochemical neuromodulators (e.g., catecholamines). Reasonable
effort should be made to minimize the number of ECD exposures and resulting physiologic and metabolic effects. In
human studies of electrical discharge from a single ECD of up to 15 seconds, these effects on acidosis, CK, electrolytes,
stress hormones, and vital signs have been comparable to or less than changes expected from physical exertion similar to
struggling, resistance, fighting, fleeing, or from the application of some other force tools or techniques. Adverse physiologic
or metabolic effects may increase risk of death or serious injury.

Higher Risk Populations

ECD Use on a pregnant, infirm, elderly, small child, or low body-mass index (BMI) person could increase the risk of death or
serious injury. ECD Use has not been scientifically tested on these populations. The ECD should not be Used on members of
these populations unless the situation justifies possible higher risk of death or serious injury.

Physiologically or Metabolically Compromised Persons

Law enforcement personnel are called upon to deal with individuals in crises that are often physiologically or metabolically
compromised and may be susceptible to arrest-related death (“ARD”). The factors that may increase susceptibility for an ARD
have not been fully characterized but may include: a hypersympathetic state, autonomic dysregulation, capture myopathy,
hyperthermia, altered electrolytes, severe acidosis, cardiac arrest, drug or alcohol effects (toxic withdrawal, sensitization to
arrhythmias, etc), alterations in brain function (agitated or excited delirium), cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, sickle cell
disease, and other pathologic conditions. These risks may exist prior to, during, or after law enforcement intervention or
ECD Use, and the subject may already be at risk of death or serious injury as a result of pre-existing conditions, individual
susceptibility, or other factors. In a physiologically or metabolically compromised person any physiologic or metabolic
change may cause or contribute to death or serious injury. Follow your agency’s Guidance when dealing with physiologically
or metabolically compromised persons.

Neurocardiogenic Response (Fainting)

A person may experience an exaggerated response to an ECD exposure, or threatened exposure, which may result in a
person fainting or falling with possible secondary injury.

Seizure

Repetitive stimuli (e.g., flashing light or electrical stimuli) can induce seizure in some people. This risk may be increased in a
person with a seizure history or if electrical stimuli pass through the head area. This may also result in a person falling with
a possible secondary injury.

Stress and Pain

The ECD can cause temporary discomfort, pain, stress, panic, or startle which may be injurious to some people. Anticipation
of ECD exposure can cause stress, trepidation, panic, startle, or fear, which may also be injurious to some people.

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Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

Safety Information: Probe or Electrode Injury or Infection
WARNING
Probe or Electrode Injury or Infection Hazard

ECD Use may cause a mark, burn, scar, penetration, other skin, or tissue damage or infection. Provide First Aid and medical
care as needed.

Scarring

Use of an ECD may cause irritation, puncture, mark, abrasion, rash, burn, keloid, or other scarring that may be permanent.
This risk may be increased when using the M26 or X26 ECD in drive-stun mode with the cartridge removed or the X3 ECD in
drive-stun mode due to the multiple sets of electrical contacts. The nature and severity of these effects depends on the area
of exposure and method of application, individual susceptibility, and other circumstances surrounding ECD Use, exposure,
and after care.

Penetration Injury

The TASER probe has a small dart point which may cause a penetration injury to a blood vessel or internal organ (including
lung, bone, or nerve). The probe or dart point (which may detach) can also puncture or become embedded into a bone,
organ, or tissue, which may require immediate medical attention, surgical removal, or may result in scarring, infection, or
other serious injury.

Penetration Injury Care

Injury due to penetration of the probe or dart point into a blood vessel, organ, nerve, or bone may require medical attention.
A probe, dart point, or barb embedded in a sensitive area such as the eye, the genital area, breast, neck, throat, or vascular
structure may cause serious injury and may require special medical attention and further evaluation.

Probe Removal

Probe removal may cause injury. Leaving a probe in the body may result in pain or injury. Follow your agency’s Guidance and
biohazard protocols for probe removal. In the case of embedment, organ or bone penetration, or probe, dart point, or barb
detachment, immediate medical attention and possible surgical removal may be required.

Skin, Wound, or Infection Treatment

ECD Use may cause a skin irritation, puncture wound, abrasion, mark, rash, burn, keloid or other scar which may require
medical attention and may be permanent. As with any injury of this type, infection or tetanus and resulting complications
may occur in some circumstances.

Biohazards

Utilize appropriate biohazard protocols and personal protective equipment including Body Substance Isolation procedures,
gloves, masks, and washing of hands and exposed areas as necessary. Follow your agency’s Guidance and appropriate
biohazard, waste, and evidence protocols when dealing with biohazards.

Untethered Discharged Probe

In probe deployment, it is possible that a discharged probe that does not impact a subject or target may become untethered
from the wire and travel a significant distance. A loose, untethered probe can cause serious injury.

Safety Information: General Precautions
WARNING
Unintentional Deployment Hazard

Unintentional ECD activation could result in death or serious injury to the User, force recipient, and others. Follow and
comply with the following instructions to reduce the risk of unintentional Use, deployment, or activation.

Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

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Store In A Secure Location

Store ECDs, cartridges, and accessories in secure locations inaccessible to children and other unauthorized persons to
prevent inappropriate Use, which may result in death or serious injury to the User, other persons, or animals. ECDs and
cartridges are weapons and are not toys.

Use Of ECD Safety

Always place the ECD safety switch in the down (SAFE) position when not in Use. Remember to place the ECD safety switch
in the up (ARMED) position when you intend to Use the ECD.

Assume ECD Is Loaded

Always assume that an ECD is loaded and capable of discharging. To avoid unexpected discharge, ensure that no live cartridge
is in the ECD when inserting: a battery; CDPM™, DPM™, EPM™, TPM™, or XDPM™ battery pack; TASER CAM™ recorder; or while
performing spark tests (except when spark testing the X3 ECD), maintenance, data downloading, or battery charging.

Be Aware Of ECD Deployment Mode

Keep your finger off the trigger until it is legally justifiable to use the ECD. Be aware of the deployment mode (manual or
semi-automatic) set on the X3 ECD before discharging that ECD.

Keep Body Parts Away From Front of ECD or Cartridge

Keep your hands and body parts away from the front of the ECD and cartridge, unless instructed otherwise. A discharging
ECD or cartridge could result in serious injury.

Avoid Static Electricity

Keep the cartridge away from sources of static electricity. Static electricity can cause the ECD or X26 or M26 cartridge to
discharge unexpectedly, which could result in serious injury.

Beware of Electronic Equipment Interference

Interference from electronic transmission equipment in close proximity to the ECD could interfere with the proper operation
of the ECD and cause the ECD to discharge. Keep the ECD at least several inches away from other electronic equipment.
Place the ECD safety switch in the down (SAFE) position whenever it is immediately adjacent to electronic equipment
(including transmitting radios and cell phones). Remember to place the ECD safety switch in the up (ARMED) position prior
to attempting Use.

Avoid Dropping ECD or Cartridge

If an ECD or cartridge is dropped or damaged it may unintentionally deploy or discharge, become inoperable, or fail to
function, making it unsafe for continued use. If an ECD or cartridge has been dropped or damaged, refer to the procedure
recommended in the current version of the TASER Instructor Training materials.

Safety Information: Maintenance
WARNING
Failure to maintain an ECD as instructed may cause the ECD to malfunction or fail to function optimally and could result in
death or serious injury. Follow and comply with the following instructions to reduce the risk of ECD malfunction, including
failure.

Damaged ECD or Cartridge

Do not use a cartridge with a missing blast door unless facing an immediate threat. ECD repair or modification by an
unauthorized person may cause the ECD to fire or malfunction, will void the warranty, and may put the User or other person
at risk of death or serious injury.

Update ECD Software

Some ECDs, including the TASER X26 and X3, have the capability for software updating. It is important to acquire, update, and
maintain the latest ECD software update. Current ECD software may be obtained by contacting TASER’s Customer Service
Department or following instructions at the EVIDENCE.COM™ site.

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Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

Use Only TASER-Approved Components, Batteries, Accessories, and Cartridges

The ECD is a sophisticated electronic system. In order to provide proper function, only TASER-approved components, batteries,
accessories, and cartridges are to be used with the ECD. Use of anything other than TASER-approved components, batteries,
accessories, and cartridges will void the warranty, may cause malfunction, and may put the User or other person at risk of
death or serious injury.

Avoid Exposure to Wet Conditions

If the ECD is drenched or immersed in water or other liquid, DO NOT Use the ECD until completing the procedure
recommended in the current version of the TASER Instructor Training materials.

Safety Information: Hazardous Substances
WARNING
Hazardous Substances

The ECD contains components that contain chemicals known to the State of California and others to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Do not disassemble. Refer to your agency’s Guidance for proper handling and disposal.

Law Enforcement

Warnings

CDPM, DPM, EPM, EVIDENCE.COM, M26, TASER CAM, TPM, X3, X26, XDPM and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S.
All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.

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