TASER International Instructor Training Bulletin Issue
Mandatory hits with the ADVANCED TASER
As you may have experienced during training in the past, our company generally speaking,
required TASER International Certified Instructors undergo a sample "hit" of electrical output by
the M26 unless there was a medical reason or viable excuse for not doing so. However, this
policy has changed over time and needs clarification.
All Certified Instructors are to note that our policy has officially shifted to a strong
"recommendation" for trying a sample of the M26 electrical output as opposed to
"required." We strongly recommend, but do not require that students take a sample hit
from the M26.
Our reasoning for recommending such a sample is that the Instructor is truly enabled to know
and understand how the M26 weapon works. This will help better articulate the ADVANCED
TASER's effects both as an instructor and potentially as an expert in court if necessary. (Many
departments actually require a similar sampling from pepper sprays.) The sampling of the M26
is also crucial in that there is self-realized understanding that the technology's effects are
powerful in stopping focused individuals -- yet safe. However, this is not a requirement by
TASER International nor should our Instructors require this from students during Instructor
certification. The same policy of "recommendation" versus "required" should exist for training of
users as well concerning sample hits.
Further, during the first break of each training course, when our Master Instructors arrange the
following for anyone who volunteers to take a “hit.”
1. The Instructor tapes the ends of the wires to volunteer’s body (such as a foot to hip shot, a
shoulder to hip shot and some take an upper to lower back shot. We suggest that the end
of each wire is taped to the subject and the actual barb and probe body is removed.
2. The Instructor places the volunteer in a safe place to fall to the ground on wrestling mats or
the subject takes the hit while being supported by fellow classmates.
3. The Instructor turns the ADVANCED TASER on for about 1-2 seconds to give a good
“flavor” of the TASER-Waves. Some volunteers can opt to undergo the entire 5-second
cycle. A 1-2 second dose is ample enough time to experience the affects first hand.
4. We encourage other classmates to hold onto volunteers to prove to themselves and to other
classmates that they are not affected by the TASER-Waves and that arrest team members
can go “hands on” during the ADVANCED TASER’s 5-second “window of opportunity.”
This is not mandatory but highly suggested. We have received feedback with sound reasoning
from various departments that the requiring of such a sample hit could raise potential problems.
This bulletin serves as our notice to our Certified Instructors of our new policy in writing.
Regards,
Rick Smith, President, TASER International
Rick@TASER.com * www.TASER.com * phone: 800-978-2737 * fax: 480-991-0791