USE OF THE ADVANCED TASER
The ADVANCED TASER is a defensive weapon listed in the force continuum the same
as chemical agents located between empty hands and closed hands. The decision to use
the ADVANCED TASER is the same as the decision to use OC spray or a baton: it
depends on the actions and the critical distance of the threat. Therefore, an officer does
not have to get dangerously close to a threat to try chemical agents before resorting to the
ADVANCED TASER.
The ADVANCED TASER is deployed as an additional police tool and is not
intended to replace firearms or self-defense techniques. The ADVANCED TASER may
be used to control a dangerous or violent subject when deadly physical force does not
appear to be justified and/or necessary, or attempts to subdue the subject by other
conventional tactics have been, or will likely be, ineffective in the situation at hand; or
there is reasonable expectation that it will be unsafe for deputies to approach within
contact range of the subject.
Purpose
This order sets forth Marion County Sheriff’s Department policy regarding deployment
of the ADVANCED TASER.
The following provisions are established:
A. ADVANCED TASER shall be issued to and used only by deputies who have
completed the department’s ADVANCED TASER training program or a training
program by Taser International.
B. Only properly functioning and charged ADVANCED TASERs shall be used.
C. The M26 ADVANCED TASER will be the only taser allowed for use by the
Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
D. Decision to deploy the ADVANCED TASER will be made by the certified
ADVANCED TASER operator or instructor.
E. Laser sight from the ADVANCED TASER shall never be aimed at the suspect’s
face or head area.
F. Use or deployment of the ADVANCED TASER will be documented on a
departmental special taser report. In addition, the data from the use will be
downloaded from the ADVANCED TASER and a copy of the information will be
attached to the special taser report. This shall then be forwarded to the law
enforcement commander via the chain of command.

G. The deployment of the ADVANCED TASER will be considered in the force
continuum the same as chemical agents or aerosol projectors.
H. Persons who have been subjected to the ADVANCED TASER, or the probes,
shall be treated as follows:
1. Once in custody, the arresting officer shall advise paramedics or SWAT
medics that the person has been subjected to the ADVANCED TASER
and relate the approximate time and the action occurred. If the probes
penetrate the skin, the puncture sites shall be brought the to attention of
the shift supervisor and medical personnel. Only medical personnel may
remove ADVANCED TASER probes that are embedded in skin.
Removal from clothing will be at the discretion of the shift supervisor.
2. After examining the affected person, the medics will make the
determination of the person should or should not be transported to the
hospital. Transportation to a medial facility will be by police transport
unless an ambulance is more appropriate due to other related or nonrelated injuries.
3. Officers must be aware that one easily overlooked aspect of injury in
shooting a subject with an ADVANCED TASER is that of falling from a
standing position. A thorough physical examination with particular
emphasis on injuries secondary to the fall should be performed.