The advanced taser

Headnote

TASER International takes the Taser to a higher level

TASER technology has been in use for over 25 years. During that time it has racked up a mixed record. The taser was first introduced to the law enforcement community in 1974. Taser is an acronym for Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle, named after Tom Swift of the popular American children's adventure series of the 1920s and 30s.

Tasers are conducted energy weapons that fire a cartridge with two small probes (darts) that are connected to the weapon by high-voltage, insulated wire. When the probes contact the target, they transmit very short duration, high energy, electrical pulses along the wires to overwhelm the sensory nervous system. stunning the target.

Although taser stun technology has proven itself in the field as an invaluable less-lethal tool, there have been numerous instances where the stun systems have failed to stop motivated, goal-oriented individuals. Who can forget the Rodney King incident? Statistics as to the effectiveness of stun systems vary, ranging from 33% ineffective (NYPD per Commissioner Safir) to 85% effective (per Tasertron).

Recognizing that even a single failure to stop is one failure too many, Taser International set out in early 1996 to create a less-lethal system that can stop focused combatants. The ADVANCED TASER was the result.

The advanced v. other tasers

The advanced taser differs from other taser and stun systems in a number of ways. It uses an 18 to 26 Watt electrical signal that overrides the central nervous system to directly control the skeletal muscles. Earlier devices operate in the five to 14 Watt range and may not be effective on subjects who are extremely goal-oriented or high on drugs or alcohol.

The advanced taser works by sending out a series of electrical signals. These signals are called T-Waves and are similar in many respects to the electrical signals used by the brain to communicate with the body. The 18 to 26 Watt T-- Waves cause an immediate, uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue. They're capable of physically debilitating the subject regardless of his mental focus or pain tolerance. Taser International refers to the patented technology as Electro Muscular Disruption (EMD).

Prior to the advent of the advanced taser, all of the available less-lethal...