Conducted-Energy Device (Taser) Usage in Subjects With Mental Illness
Cassandra A Bailey1, William S Smock1, Ashlee M Melendez1
1Ms. Bailey is a PhD candidate at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Smock is the Police Surgeon, Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, Louisville, KY. Ms. Melendez is Department Chairman/Research Coordinator, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. El-Mallakh is Director, Mood Disorders Research Programs, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Abstract:
Use of a conducted-energy device (CED), or Taser, by law enforcement officers (LEOs) is recommended over more lethal forms of force. LEOs interact with a wide variety of people including individuals with mental illness and those with substance use disorders. The literature is devoid of data regarding the effect of CEDs on this special population. We used data collected by LEOs from 2008 to 2009. There were 233 cases over the two-year period. Of the 233 individuals on whom the Taser was used, 38 had a mental illness and 91 were under the influence of substances (not mutually exclusive). The average number of shocks necessary to achieve compliance was 1.92 for persons with a mental illness (t(231) = 2.565; p = .011, versus nonintoxicated control subjects without mental illness and 2.55 for persons under the influence of stimulants (t(143) = 3.027; p = .003, versus nonintoxicated control subjects without mental illness). The results of this study serve to inform LEOs and administrators of the patterns of use of CEDs in communities.
