Operational Use of TASER by Specially Trained Officers

Transcription

1 Operational Use of TASER by Specially Trained Officers Procedure Reference Number: Approved: Superintendent, Uniform 22 September 2011 Operations, P Wilson Author/s: Lisa Ritchie PC D Challenor Policy Officer Public Order Instructor Produced: 23 September 2011 Review due: September 2014 Review approved: (For reviewed procedures only) Superintendent P Wilson 22 September 2011 Not Protectively Marked 1

2 Procedure Index ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION: - move the cursor over the page number in the index until a hand appears. Click the left mouse button once and it will jump to the specified part of the document. 1 Procedure Aim/Purpose/Scope Guidance INTRODUCTION USE OF FORCE AUTHORISATION METHOD OF DEPLOYMENT CROSS BORDER OPERATIONS POST INCIDENT PROCEDURES POST INCIDENT PACK EVALUATION Responsibilities Appeals Compliance... 9 Not Protectively Marked 2

3 1 Procedure Aim/Purpose/Scope 1.1 The aim of this procedure is to provide written guidance to chief officers, operational commanders and specially trained officers in the issue, deployment and use of Conducted Energy Devices. The only current device authorised for use by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) is the TASER, hereinafter referred to in this document as TASER. 1.2 This procedure (together with the ACPO Operational Deployment Policy and Guidance relating to TASER) sets out the manner in which TASER will be issued, deployed and used by specially trained officers who are not firearms officers. 1.3 A separate procedure governs the use of TASER by firearms officers. 2 Guidance Click Here to Return to Index 2.1 Introduction Specially trained officers are defined as officers who are not authorised firearms officers but who have successfully completed prescribed special training in the use of TASER This force procedure should be read in conjunction with the following documents: ACPO guidance for the Extended operational Deployment of TASER for Specially Trained Units (excluding firearms incidents) Force procedure for The Operational use of TASER by authorised firearms officers. Training procedures for The Operational use of TASER by Specially Trained Officers held by the Tactical Training Unit No one will be voluntarily subjected to the effects of TASER under any circumstances. 2.2 Use of Force The police use of force is governed by: Common Law Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967 Section 117 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 The Human Rights Act Article 2 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms states that: Governments and law enforcement agencies should develop a range of means as broad as possible and equip law enforcement officials with various types of weapons and ammunition that would allow for a differentiated use of force and firearms. Not Protectively Marked 3

4 2.2.3 The operational use of TASER provides police officers with a greater differentiation of options where the police use of force is considered necessary The use of TASER is determined by reference to the ACPO Conflict Management Model: 2.3 Authorisation TASER will be issued to and carried by officers who have been specially trained in its use to equip them with an additional means of dealing with violence or threats of violence of such severity that it is likely that they will need to use force in order to protect the public, themselves or the subject No specific authority is required for the use of TASER by specially trained officers attending either spontaneous or pre-planned incidents. In all instances, the use of TASER by specially trained officers will be in strict accordance with their training and with principles outlined in the ACPO Conflict Management Model Should a threat assessment and review of tactical options determine that a preemptive strike with a TASER be considered as a tactical option in a pre-planned operation, this must be authorised by an operational commander of at least the rank of superintendent who must first consult with a public order tactical advisor The availability or deployment of TASER should not be considered as a replacement for conventional firearms should the relevant criteria for the deployment of firearms is met. For details please refer to Force Procedure - Authority for Carriage of Firearms and Armed Deployments. Not Protectively Marked 4

5 2.4 Method of Deployment Not Protectively Marked Detailed instruction on the characteristics, operation and use of TASER will be covered in the training and documentation provided to officers as part of their accreditation in its use Protection from allegations of misuse is provided to officers who use TASER, and those upon whom it is used by data recorded within the device on each occasion that it is discharged TASER should be deployed in designated pairs of officers at all incidents. TASER is a single shot weapon and deploying in pairs increases the chance of a successful deployment. It is accepted that under certain spontaneous circumstances, individual officers may have to use their discretion and deploy TASER when not in the immediate presence of another officer who forms part of a designated pair As with all tactical options, it is important that TASER is only deployed after due consideration has been given to deal with any eventuality which may arise from use of the weapon, for example: The rendering of first aid to persons debilitated by TASER The restraint of a subject if only partially debilitated by TASER Alternatives (should the subject fail to be debilitated effectively by TASER) Alternatives (should any officer be inadvertently affected or injured by the use of TASER) Should the firing of TASER initiate some further action by the subject Full details regarding all issues pertaining to the use of TASER are detailed within the ACPO Operational Deployment Policy and Guidance There is a risk of flammability when TASER is used on subjects who have been sprayed with flammable solvents. These may include (but are not limited to) lighter fuel, petrol and strong alcoholic spirits This heightened risk must be factored in when assessing the appropriateness and necessity of using a TASER. It is however recognised that there are circumstances where the only alternative may be a more injurious level of force, or where activation of the TASER, irrespective of the additional risk, is absolutely necessary to protect life The term use of the TASER will include any of the following actions carried out in an operational setting: Drawing of a TASER in circumstances where any person perceives the action as a use of force. Sparking of the TASER commonly known as arcing. Aiming of the TASER or placing the laser sight red dot onto a subject. Firing of a TASER so that the barbs are discharged at a subject. Application and discharge of a TASER in drive stun mode to a subject. Not Protectively Marked 5

6 2.4.9 If it is apparent that a person struck by TASER has injuries requiring medical attention referral to hospital should be considered. 2.5 Cross Border Operations Cross border operations have been addressed within the national guidance which states: It is agreed that the Chief Constable of a Constabulary has a duty of care to their officers, regardless of whether they are operating within their own force areas. It is agreed therefore that forces will allow the carriage and operational use of the TASER, as per national guidance, in line with the Conflict Management Model. 2.6 Post Incident Procedures In any situation where a TASER is discharged, full post incident procedures will only be implemented if the discharge: resulted in death or serious injury; or caused danger to the public; or revealed failings in command Full post incident procedures are outlined in Force Procedure Post Incident Procedure (Deaths During or Following Police contact) TASER discharges are only required to be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission if any of the above outcomes are evident or if the use of TASER results in an official complaint being made The decision to make such a referral will be taken by the Professional Standards Department following consultation with the duty detective superintendent. Any necessary out of hours contact with the Independent Police Complaints Commission will be in line with separate guidance issued by the Professional Standards Department In all other circumstances a proportionate post incident procedure will be completed by the Initial Investigating Officer, who will be the duty Senior Investigating Officer working to the direction of the duty detective superintendent. This procedure will comprise of: probe recovery, TASER data download (as soon as is reasonably practicable) full report on the incident, including factors that led to the use of TASER (usually recorded on the NSPIS log) completion of electronic TASER/National use of force reporting forms A covering report will be completed by the Head of Professional Standards on the full factors that led to the use of TASER including any outcomes or recommendations. Full details on the proportionate post incident procedure is Not Protectively Marked 6

7 located in Force Procedure - Post Incident Procedure (Deaths During or Following Police contact) Upon completion, the post incident report will be retained by the Professional Standards Department with any organisational learning documented and actioned. 2.7 Post Incident Pack Each response vehicle used by officers carrying TASER is supplied with a post incident pack which contains guidance and advice information for: Tactical Commanders check sheet (Appendix A) Escort Officers (Appendix B) GP/Hospital clinicians (Appendix C) Custody Officers (Appendix D) Subjects (Appendix E) On each occasion that TASER is discharged this pack is utilised and the Firearms Tactical Advisor or Operational Commander can assist with advice where necessary. It is the responsibility of the Firearms Operational Commander to ensure that the Tactical Commander / Duty Officer is handed a Post Incident Pack at the earliest opportunity after the incident Any unintentional discharge of a TASER where there has been no danger to the public will be referred to the Professional Standards Department to determine the extent of any internal investigation under police conduct or performance regulations. 2.8 Evaluation The operational use of TASER is monitored by the ACPO, Home Office Scientific Development Branch, Defence Scientific Advisory Branch Sub-Committee On The Medical Implications Of Less Lethal weapons and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Principal Officers complete an evaluation questionnaire available on the Vector Policy and Standard Operating Procedures (TASER) database and on every occasion where TASER is used in a policing operation in circumstances outlined in above A TASER Liaison Officer will collate all TASER Deployment forms prior to them being submitted centrally for evaluation. This Liaison Officer is the conduit between the force and the representative from the Conflict Management Portfolio in terms of clarifying any information on the form. Click Here to Return to Index Not Protectively Marked 7

8 3 Responsibilities Not Protectively Marked 3.1 The Assistant Chief Constable (Public Order Portfolio Holder) is the portfolio holder for the ACPO Operational Deployment Policy and Guidance relating to TASER. 3.2 The Force Uniform Operations Superintendent is responsible for the implementation, ownership and strategic direction of this procedure and its dissemination to operational commanders and the Operations and Tactical Training Unit. 3.3 The Tactical Training Unit Inspector is responsible the training, accreditation and re-qualification of all specially trained officers in the use of TASER, and for identifying and organising training for chief officers and operational commanders in the deployment of specially trained officers in the use of TASER. 3.4 The Tactical Training Unit Inspector is also responsible for the issue, deployment and use of TASER by authorised specially trained officers and ensures officers conform to the guidance contained in the ACPO Operational Deployment Policy and Guidance and the ACPO Personal Safety Manual of Guidance. 3.5 Authorised Officers are personally responsible for TASER equipment issued to them during their period of duty. 3.4 The Force Armourer is responsible for downloading information from the TASER equipment for purposes of maintenance and post-incident enquiries. In the absence of the Force Armourer there are other identified authorised officers who can carry out this process. 3.6 The Force Incident Manager is responsible for maintaining a record of TASER usage in spontaneous incidents 3.8 The TASER Liaison Officer within Firearms Operations is responsible for collating all TASER deployment forms prior to submission centrally for evaluation. This individual is the contact between the force and the representative from the Conflict Management Portfolio in terms of clarifying any information on the form. Click Here to Return to Index 4 Appeals 4.1 Persons affected by the exercise of powers, directives or actions under this document have the right to make representations and / or challenges and / or appeals to the decisions involved via judicial processes (e.g. civil law) and / or non-judicial processes (e.g. internal management, grievance or police complaint procedures). Not Protectively Marked 8

9 4.2 Any internal grievance arising from the implementation of this procedure is catered for in existing management structure of the force and the formal grievance procedures together with an appeals facility / right to make representation. As regards external complaints, civil remedies are available with appellate facilities in addition to an individual's rights under the Police Complaints and Misconduct Procedures under the guardianship of the Independent Police Complaints Commission. 4.3 A person who claims that a public authority has acted (or proposes to act) in a way which is unlawful under the Human Rights Act 1998, may bring proceedings against the authority under the Act in the appropriate court or tribunal. Such a person may rely on the Convention right or rights concerned in any legal proceedings if they are a victim (or would be) of the alleged unlawful act. 5 Compliance Click Here to Return to Index I confirm that this document has been drafted to comply with the principles of the Human Rights Act and Equal Opportunity legislation as per force guidance. In addition, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, the National Quality of Service Commitment and Health and Safety issues have been considered. Adherence to this policy or procedure will therefore ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, internal policies and the Force values. I do/do not agree that this document is appropriate for disclosure to the public. Signed: Lisa Ritchie (author) Date: 31/05/2011 Not Protectively Marked 9

10 Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment part 1 Potential X Does the procedure involve any of the following? (tick as appropriate) Impact If any of the boxes below are ticked the impact is high and the Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment must be reviewed annually. High - Exercise of statutory powers? - Dealing with or providing services to the public? - Recruitment & selection, transfer or redundancy processes? - Training opportunities or career development schemes? - Other processes for managing staff? (ie. discipline, pay, allocation of benefits, etc) - Any other high risks not detailed? If any of the boxes below are ticked the impact is medium and the Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment must be reviewed every 2 years. Medium - Dealing with the public, but not involving the exercise of statutory powers? - Providing services or facilities to staff? (ie. welfare, shower rooms, parking, intranet etc) - Any other medium risks not detailed? If any of the boxes below are ticked the impact is low and the Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment must be reviewed every 3 years. Low - Administration processes? - Any other low risks? Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment part 2 Consider the community as a whole and each of the protected characteristics: Age (includes all ages), Disability, Gender, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion or belief, Gender reassignment and Sexual orientation, when answering the below: 1.Does this activity present an opportunity for improving equality outcomes for any of the protected characteristics? If so, how? 2. Is there public/political concern in relation to any of the protected characteristics, attached to this activity? If so, what are those concerns? Yes. The training provided to officers identifies equality and diversity issues and appropriate use of TASER. The use of TASER is identified in the procedure for dealing with persons who have used violence or threats of violence of such severity as a means of dealing with such situations to protect the public, themselves or police officers. Yes. The national press have reported on the police use of TASER and deaths associated with its use. Amnesty International also reports widely on the use of TASER. Not Protectively Marked 10

11 3. What other sources of information have been used in the development of this procedure i.e. HMIC Inspection Reports, Home Office Circulars? 4. Does the procedure relate to the use of a statutory power? If so, under what circumstance could discrimination be acceptable? 5. What data collection process exists for this procedure? How is the data monitored to ensure that the impact is not discriminatory or disproportionate? e.g. Use of community intelligence. If reviewing the procedure what are the results of the monitoring? 6. What evidence is there that actions to address any negative effects in one area may affect other areas of equality? 7. When the Race and Diversity impact assessment has included consultation, who was consulted? (Include a summary of the key points) National Policy and Guidance from NPIA / ACPO and statements from the Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal weapons (DOMILL) Yes. The use of TASER is not intended to be discriminatory other than the use outlined above. An issue register is in the Resource Deployment Centre for Force Incident Managers to allocate a unique reference to number to each incident. Details of TASER discharges are collated and forwarded to ACPO Firearms Secretariat, HOSDB, Defence Science and Technical Laboratory and ACPO conflict management secretariat. An appropriate Post Incident Procedure is implemented on each occasion of use. None This is a review and not subject to formal consultation. Local business area and procedure owner consultation has taken place. 8. Has the procedure been altered following the consultation? (Include a summary of the key changes) 9. Has feedback been given to the groups involved in the consultation? Date Impact Assessment completed: 31/05/2011 Not Protectively Marked 11

12 Appendix A CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY FORCE OPERATIONS Operational Use of TASER Checklist for Scene Commanders This pack contains the following: Advice Form for Escorting Officers Advice Form for GP s/hospital Clinicians Advice Form for Custody Officers Information for persons upon whom a TASER has been used Post Incident Recovery Checklist Packaging for Barbs/AFID Tags Packaging for Cartridges When a person/persons have been the subject of a TASER discharge, responsibility for the scene falls to the Scene Commander. They are responsible for the security of the scene and ensuring that Post Incident Protocols are adhered to. The following checklist may be of assistance. 1. Ensure safety/security of subject and that any medical assistance required is being given. 2. Where appropriate ensure that Deploying Officers are removed from the scene to Post Incident location. 3. Ensure that where necessary Professional Standards are informed. 4. Ensure the appropriate letters of guidance are given to the Escorting Officer, Hospital, FME/GP, Custody Officers and Subject. 5. Secure the scene until the advice of Professional Standards is forthcoming 6. When applicable ensure that a Post Incident Manager is appointed and attends. Not Protectively Marked 12

13 If there are any signs of adverse or unusual medical reactions then medical assistance should be provided immediately. In circumstances where the barbs have caused injuries to the face, genitals or the subject indicates that they suffer from a heart condition; the subject is to betaken directly to hospital. Ambulance crews must be informed of the circumstances of the arrest and handed the relevant letter of guidance, which the escorting officer should ensure is then handed to medical staff, on arrival at the hospital. Barbs The barbs are designed to penetrate either clothing or skin. Injuries caused by TASER barbs penetrating are usually minor. No attempt should be made to remove the barbs, which have penetrated the skin unless there is an operational necessity. This should be done by a medical professional. Officers should be mindful that the barbs might be used to self-harm or as a weapon against them. Therefore consideration should be given, if barbs are left in the body, to handcuffing the subject. Where it is clearly evident that the barbs are only attached to clothing (with no penetration of the skin) they may be removed by gently pulling on the barbs. Care should be taken not to cause further unnecessary damage to the clothing. The recovered barbs must be placed in the evidential containers supplied. Upon arrival in a Custody suite, the Escorting Officer must make the Custody Officer aware that the subject has been exposed to TASER and whether he/she has already attended hospital. The escorting officer will then hand letters of guidance from the kit, to the custody officer, as soon as practicable. A forensic practitioner will be called immediately to remove the barbs, which will be retained and exhibited using the evidential kit supplied. Officers must be aware that when barbs are removed from a subject s body, the barbs will become a biohazard, and as such the officer needs to take commensurate precautions during and after the removal. The evidential containers are readily available in the pack. Once removed the barbs must be examined to ensure that they are complete. (8mm in length with a 1mm high barb about 3mm from the tip. They are not fish-hooked in shape) Not Protectively Marked 13

14 Appendix B Operational Use of TASER Escorting Officer's Advice If there are any signs of adverse or unusual medical reactions then medical assistance should be provided immediately. In circumstances where the barbs have caused injuries to the face, genitals or the subject indicates that they suffer from a heart condition, the subject is to be taken directly to hospital. Ambulance crews must be informed of the circumstances of the arrest and handed the relevant letter of guidance, which the escorting officer should ensure is then handed to medical staff, on arrival at the hospital. Barbs The barbs are designed to penetrate either clothing or skin. Injuries caused by TASER barbs penetrating are usually minor. No attempt should be made to remove the barbs, which have penetrated the skin. This should be done by a medical professional. Officers should be mindful that the barbs might be used to self-harm or as a weapon against them. Therefore consideration should be given, if barbs are left in the body, to handcuffing the subject. Where it is clearly evident that the barbs are only attached to clothing (with no penetration of the skin) they may be removed by gently pulling on the barbs. Care should be taken not to cause further unnecessary damage to the clothing. The recovered barbs must be placed in the evidential containers supplied. Upon arrival in a Custody suite, the Escorting Officer must make the Custody Officer aware that the subject has been exposed to TASER and whether he/she has already attended hospital. The escorting officer will then hand letters of guidance from the kit, to the custody officer, as soon as practicable. The FME will be called immediately to remove the barbs, which will be retained and exhibited using the evidential kit supplied. Officers must be aware that when barbs are removed from a subject s body, the barbs will become a biohazard, and as such the officer needs to take commensurate precautions during and after the removal. It is important therefore that the evidential containers are readily available. Once removed the barbs must be examined to ensure that they are complete. (8mm in length with a 1mm high barb about 3mm from the tip. They are not fishhooked in shape) Not Protectively Marked 14

15 Secondary Injuries Escorting Officers need to be aware of injuries sustained when subjects fall to ground, especially to the head area, may not be apparent immediately. Instructions for the transport of persons subject of a TASER discharge Escorting officers should have due regard for the location of the barbs during any necessary handling of the subject and during transport to the station or hospital. Following any immediate first aid that may be required at the scene, arrested subjects will be transported back to custody suites with the barbs left in situ, under the close supervision of escorting officers. Not Protectively Marked 15

16 Appendix C Operational Use of TASER Information for GPs and Hospital Clinicians Introduction TASERS are hand-held electronic incapacitation devices that are designed to fire two barbs at an individual. The device is aimed with the intention of embedding the barbs in the clothing or superficial skin on the torso and/or lower limb, but a barb may occasionally embed in an arm or hand. There is also a risk that a barb may penetrate skin in the head or neck region. Rarely, barbs have penetrated eyes and skull, meninges and underlying brain. The barbs are attached to the TASER handset by thin wires, through which very short duration, high voltage (but low current), pulses pass when the device is actuated. The current flowing into the body is sufficient to induce temporary disruption of voluntary muscle control and intense pain. The TASER may also be used in stun or probe mode, in which the handset s electrodes are pressed directly against an individual s skin or clothing. In stun mode, pain (rather than muscle contraction) is the principal local response because of the narrow separation of the electrodes. The police use X26 and M26 TASERS, which have been deployed operationally within the UK since 2003 and in use operationally for several years before that in the US and Canada. The X26 is the newest variant of the TASER and is the one most commonly used in the UK. Use of the TASER in the UK is subject to regular review by an independent panel of clinicians, whose role is to evaluate any adverse medical effects of the TASER, assess their clinical implications, and to provide advice to Government by way of formal, publicly accessible, statements. The panel also assesses how alterations to the specification of a TASER, modifications to officer training, and changes to the way in which the TASER is used operationally, may impact on medical outcome. The medical implications of TASER use are outlined below. Classification of injuries Unintended adverse effects from the use of TASERS are classed as: Primary: Immediate or delayed consequences of current flow in the body. In addition to the intended effect of painful muscle contraction, there has been speculation that the TASER current may exert effects on cardiac rhythm. No fatalities associated with TASER use have been unequivocally linked to a direct action of the TASER current on the heart. Not Protectively Marked 16

17 Secondary: Physical trauma directly associated with TASER use, mainly injuries arising from falls. The head is the region most at risk. Two deaths in the United States have resulted from fatal head injuries sustained during TASER-induced falls. Mild rhabdomyolysis has been reported. Thoracic vertebral compression fractures have been documented and such injuries may be primary effects. Pharyngeal perforation, possibly secondary to sudden diaphragm contraction during TASER discharge, has been described. Coincidental: Injuries not directly attributable to TASER (for example, use of baton or irritant spray, self-inflicted wounds or gunshot wounds). Life-threatening and serious injuries Assessment of TASER usage in the US, UK and elsewhere, indicates that, when operated by trained police officers, the risk of life-threatening and other serious injuries, such as the loss of an eye, is very low. Medically significant head injury resulting from uncontrolled falls is rare: standing subjects generally either freeze on the spot or collapse in a semi-controlled manner. However, there have been two US reports of fatal head injuries incurred by TASER-induced falls, and the possibility of head injury should be considered. A number of deaths have been reported in North America during, or after, exposure of subjects to TASER discharge; these deaths have been principally attributed to excess consumption of illicit drugs or to physiological stress imposed by extreme physical activity and restraint, frequently compounded by drug abuse or underlying cardiac disease. No death has yet been unequivocally attributed to the effects of the TASER device alone. However, full clinical assessment is essential particularly in the presence of other factors such as drugs, alcohol, cardiac disease and following violent struggles. Other effects Falls may result in abrasions, scratches, minor lacerations, swellings and areas of redness on the skin. Minor secondary trauma from barb penetration of the skin will occur. Some barb penetrations will be associated with small, circular, local burns; these are areas of skin where current has entered the body. Where barbs have embedded in clothing, the underlying skin may also exhibit burns. These burns are likely to resolve within a few days without complications. There is currently no evidence for any long-term clinical effect attributable to the primary effect of the TASER. Secondary effects, including cataract from orbital penetration and back pain after vertebral compression fractures, have been reported. Barb removal In instances where individuals present with barbs embedded in the skin, removal may be achieved by holding the skin taut with one hand and applying gentle in-line traction to the barb shaft with the other. Where available, local guidelines for barb removal should be followed. In the unlikely event that the barbs have embedded in the eye, face or genitalia, appropriate specialist advice should be sought. Barbs extracted from skin should be checked for completeness. The current injection needles are about 10 mm long and have a 1 mm high barb located about 3 mm from the tip. The trailing wires that conduct the electrical current between the TASER handset and the propelled barbs should have already been cut close to the barb. Pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices The evidence concerning damage or disturbance to implanted devices (such as pacemakers) is limited and equivocal be aware of the potential risk of damage. Not Protectively Marked 17

18 Probe Types OLD NEW 10.16mm 27.94mm Single (lighter) Alloy Rounded front 38.1mm Overall Length Bi-Metal (heavier at tip) Blunt front increases accuracy and reduces penetration risk Develops more kinetic energy Vulnerable populations Individuals who have been subjected to TASER discharge may have medical problems that will influence the context of their overall clinical management. TASERS have been used to subdue people who would otherwise seriously self-harm, as well as those who are displaying extremes of irrational and violent behaviour towards others. Drug, alcohol or solvent abuse may also be a factor, as are extremes of age and the presence of pre-existing illness such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy or psychiatric morbidity. Where an individual presenting with one or more of these factors has been transferred to hospital following exposure to TASER discharge, admission for observation may be advisable. Pregnancy With the increasing deployment of the TASER in the UK, there is the possibility of an increase in the numbers of pregnant women subjected to TASER discharge. Risks to the fetus are currently thought to be very low the evidence upon which this assessment is based is continually reviewed. Further reading Al-Jarabah, M. et al. (2008). Pharyngeal perforation secondary to electric shock from a Taser gun. Emerg Med J 25:378. American College of Emergency Physicians: Bleetman, A. et al. (2004). Introduction of the Taser into British policing. Implications for UK emergency departments: an overview of electronic weaponry. Emerg. Med. J. 21: Jenkinson, E. et al. (2006). The relative risk of police use-of-force options: Evaluating the potential for deployment of electronic weaponry. J. Clin. Forensic Med. 13: Link to website maintained by US law firm with commercial links to Taser International, Inc: Mangus, B.E. et al. (2008). Taser and Taser associated injuries: a case series. Am. Surg. 74: Sanford, J.M. et al. (in press). Two patients subdued with a TASER device: cases and review of complications. J Emerg Med (doi: /j.jemermed ) Statement by independent panel of clinicians on medical implications of Taser use in UK by authorised firearms officers and specially trained units: [See Appendix B of ACPO Guidance] Not Protectively Marked 18

19 Appendix D Operational Use of TASER Custody Officer's Advice Upon arrival in a Custody suite, the Escorting Officer must make the Custody Officer aware that the subject has been exposed to TASER and whether he/she has already attended hospital. If there are any signs of adverse or unusual medical reactions then medical assistance should be provided immediately. The FME must be called to certify fitness to detain and/or remove the barbs. Additionally subjects must be examined by the FME on every occasion at the earliest opportunity to evaluate whether there is a clinical history of heart disease or epilepsy or the presence of cardiac pacemaker or intoxication by drugs warrants medical follow up, which may include referral to hospital. Barbs Officers should be mindful that the barbs might be used to self-harm or as a weapon against them. Therefore consideration should be given, if barbs are left in the body, to handcuffing the subject. Considering the above statements, the Custody Officer should conduct an appropriate risk assessment prior to placing the subject in a cell. If the barbs are located in the persons clothing and have obviously not penetrated the skin, Police may remove them. Officers must be aware that when barbs are removed from a subject s body, the barbs will become a biohazard, and as such the officer needs to take commensurate precautions during and after the removal. The barbs should be placed in the container supplied and exhibited. Not Protectively Marked 19

20 Secondary Injuries Not Protectively Marked Operatives and Custody officers need to be aware of injuries sustained when subjects fall to ground, especially to the head area, may not be apparent immediately. Close monitoring of a subject throughout the period of detention is of the utmost importance and should be provided with the same level of supervision for prisoners who have consumed alcohol or drugs. The Custody officer will ensure that the subject is provided with Medical Information and Aftercare leaflet as soon as practicable. Not Protectively Marked 20

21 Appendix E Operational Use of TASER Information for Persons Subjected To TASER You have been subjected to the effects of a TASER. The TASER passed short pulses of electricity into your body. The electricity made your muscles contract (go stiff). You may well have lost balance and fallen to the ground. The device was used by a specially trained police officer. During, or shortly after the use of the TASER, you may have experienced some symptoms which may include: Being dazed for several minutes; Muscle twitches; Loss of memory of the event; Unsteadiness and a spinning sensation; Temporary tingling; Weakness in the limbs; Local aches and pains and tissue swelling. These sensations are normal effects of the TASER. If any of these effects are still present a day later, see a doctor. If you notice any areas of bruising or experienced localised pain anywhere on your body, see a doctor. If you fell and banged your head when the TASER was used, make sure a doctor has seen any injury that may have occurred. You may have two small marks (like bee stings) in your skin. These are small puncture wounds from the short needles (barbs) used to inject the electricity directly into your skin. The police will ensure that these barbs have been removed by a healthcare professional. There may be small burns similar to sunburn around these marks. These should return to normal in a few days. If they do not and there is pain and swelling, you may have a local infection see a doctor. If the probes only stuck in your clothing, you may still have two small areas of skin underneath that look sunburned. There are no known effects of the TASER on the well-being of the unborn child. However, if you are pregnant and have been subjected to a TASER, it is advisable to be reviewed by a doctor or a midwife. Not Protectively Marked 21

22 ACPO Guidelines Not Protectively Marked ACPO Guidelines Not Protectively Marked 22