For the company, see Taser International. For the sailboat, see Tasar.
A Taser or conducted electrical weapon (CEW)[1] is an electroshock weapon sold by Taser International. It fires two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductors, to deliver electric current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles causing "neuromuscular incapacitation".[2][3] Someone struck by a Taser experiences stimulation of theirsensory nerves and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contractions. Tasers do not rely only on pain compliance, except when used in "Drive Stun" mode, and are thus preferred by some law enforcement over non-Taser stun guns and other electronic control weapons.[4][5][6]
Tasers were introduced as non-lethal weapons for police to use to subdue fleeing, belligerent, or potentially dangerous people, who would have otherwise been subjected to more lethal weapons such as firearms. A 2009 Police Executive Research Forum study said that officer injuries drop by 76% when a Taser is used.[7] However, while Taser CEO Rick Smith has stated that police surveys show that the device has saved 75,000 lives,[7] there has been some controversy where Tasers have been implicated in instances of serious injury or death.[8][9]
