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Conducted electrical weapon (TASER) use against minors: a shocking analysis.
Alison R Gardner1, William E Hauda, William P Bozeman
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 30, 2012
Summary
Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) pose minimal risk to minors. Studies show no significant injuries in adolescents during law enforcement apprehension, with most injuries being minor probe site effects.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Public Health
- Law Enforcement Technology
Background:
- Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are widely used by law enforcement.
- Previous research indicates a favorable safety profile for CEW use in adults.
- Adolescents represent a potentially vulnerable population regarding CEW application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the safety and injury profile of CEWs in children and adolescents during law enforcement apprehension.
- To assess the incidence and severity of CEW-related injuries in minors.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter injury surveillance program tracked 2026 consecutive CEW uses.
- Data from 100 CEW uses against suspects under 18 years were analyzed.
- Physician reviewers assessed injury severity (mild, moderate, severe).
Main Results:
- No moderate or severe injuries were reported in 100 minor suspects (0%).
- Twenty percent of minors sustained mild injuries (95% CI, 12.7%-29.1%).
- Most mild injuries were superficial probe punctures (67.6%) or abrasions/contusions (7%).
Conclusions:
- Adolescents did not sustain significant injuries from CEW use in this study.
- Minor injuries were infrequent and primarily related to expected probe sites.
- CEW use appears to carry a similar low risk of serious injury for adolescents as for adults.
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