The use of a conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a TASER, is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person by electrical stimulation. This involves a high-voltage, low-amperage electrical pulse that causes involuntary muscle contraction. A common concern is whether touching the target during deployment will result in a secondary electrical shock. The answer lies in the fundamental physics of how the device completes its electrical circuit, which dictates if the current can divert to a second person.
Understanding the TASER’s Closed Circuit
A TASER device typically deploys two small barbed probes connected to the weapon by insulated wires. For the device to function as intended, both probes must strike and embed in the target’s clothing or skin. This action completes a closed electrical circuit. The current flows from the weapon, through the first probe, across the target’s body, and back through the second probe and wire to the weapon.
The current is intentionally contained within this specific pathway to maximize its effect, leading to temporary neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). This is achieved by delivering a relatively low electrical current, often 1.9 to 4 milliamperes (mA), at a high pulse rate. This current is sufficient to override motor nerve signals. Because the system is ungrounded, the current naturally prefers the direct route between the two contacts.
Factors Determining Current Transfer
While the current is engineered to remain between the two probes, transfer to a second person touching the target is possible. This scenario is governed by the principle of the path of least resistance; electricity always follows the easiest available route. If a person is touching the target, they introduce an alternate pathway into the circuit.
The path through the target’s body, which is rich in conductive fluids, is designed to be the primary route of low resistance. For a significant current to transfer, the second person’s contact would need to offer a path of resistance comparable to or lower than the path between the two probes.
The type and location of physical contact are factors in determining current transfer. Incidental contact, such as lightly grasping an arm, offers a high-resistance path and is unlikely to result in more than a minimal sensation. The risk increases substantially if the second person is touching the target directly between the two embedded probes, as they become a parallel component of the main circuit.
The secondary person’s connection to the ground also plays a role. If the target is well-insulated from the ground, but the person touching them provides a good path to the ground, the current may find the second person an easier route. Even if a small current transfers, its low-amperage nature means the second person is unlikely to experience the full NMI effect, though they may feel a painful shock.
Safety Measures and Post-Incident Protocol
The safest action for anyone touching a person being tasered is to immediately break physical contact. Since the current is contained between the two probes, moving away completely removes the alternate electrical path. The operator can also stop the electrical cycle immediately by moving the safety switch to the off position.
After the deployment cycle concludes, the person who was tasered requires immediate attention. It is standard protocol for the target to receive a medical assessment to check for secondary injuries, particularly those caused by falling or striking objects. Probe removal should ideally be performed by trained medical personnel, as removing the barbs can create puncture wounds that require proper care.