Item B: Eugene Police Department Taser Policy

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Attachment B Police Commission Recommended Draft Amended April 8, 2010 Eugene Police Department TM Policy 309 - Taser Guidelines 309.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE TM When properly applied in accordance with this policy, the Taser is considered a less-lethal device which is intended to temporarily incapacitate and permit control of a violent or potentially violent individual, or an individual demonstrating the intent to harm himself/herself, without causing serious injury. While it is anticipated that the appropriate use of such a device will result in fewer serious injuries to officers and suspects, it is important to remember that the discharge of a Taser has the potential to result in serious injury or death. The use of the Taser must comply with other relevant department policies, including those involving use of force, and is a reportable use of force. 309.1.1 DEFINITIONS AFID (Anti-Felony Identification Device): Small confetti-like ID tags which are ejected every time a Taser cartridge is fired which contain the serial number of the cartridge. Discharge : Any release of the Taser’s electrical energy by firing it at an animal or human being even if the probes miss the intended target, or by using it in the drive stun mode. Drive stun : A secondary function of the Taser designed to stun a subject by making direct contact with the body after the air cartridge has been expended or removed. Drive stun can be used to complete a two-point immediate action or a three-point contact. Display : To display or present an unholstered Taser in a manner intended to inform an individual that the Taser may be discharged against him/her. Use: When referring to the Taser, may refer to either display of the Taser, discharge of the Taser, or both. 309.2 GENERAL GUIDELINES An officer who has completed department approved training may be issued a Taser for use during his/her current assignment. An officer leaving a particular assignment may be required to return his/her issued device to the department's inventory. Officers will only use a Taser and cartridges that have been issued by the Department. The device will normally be carried as a part of an officer's equipment in an approved holster. Alternatively, a plainclothes officer or an officer working a specialized assignment may carry the Taser secured in the officer's vehicle so that it is readily accessible at all times. (a) If the Taser is carried as a part of a uniformed officer's equipment, the Taser will be carried on the side opposite from the officer's duty weapon. Police Commission Recommendations – Taser Guidelines, Redlined Draft April 8, 2010 Page 1