ACPO: Operational Use of Taser Policy and Guidance

Version 4 - December 2008

Operational Use of Taser

by Authorised Firearms Officers

Policy

Operational Use of Taser

Policy

1. PURPOSE

1. The Home Secretary has authorised the use of Taser by firearms officers.
2. This document sets out policy for the operational use of Taser.

2. BACKGROUND

1. In light of the Human Rights' Act the need for a range of 'less lethal' options, and personal safety tactical options in conflict management by police, has become an imperative for the service. Police are required to justify any use of force, showing that it was proportionate and legal, and that there was, at the time, an absolute necessity, particularly where potentially lethal force is used. Available less lethal technologies work in different ways and each may offer unique advantages in specific circumstances. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) believe that having a range of options available is likely to provide the most appropriate response to any given situation. This will include Conducted Energy Devices, HOSDB currently only authorise the Taser.
2. It has been demonstrated that where Taser has been used, it has contributed to the effective resolution of the incident. Taser is not a replacement for existing personal safety tactical options, but is an option that should be considered alongside others, such as negotiation, batons, incapacitant sprays, dogs and L104A1 launchers. These do not constitute a hierarchy of lawful force and should be viewed as a range of approved options from which the most proportionate and appropriate should be selected, according to circumstances, in order to meet the obligations set out in this document.
3. The Conflict Management Model, contained in the ACPO Personal Safety Manual of Guidance, sets out the process by which a measured and appropriate response can be made to any situation involving conflict. The police use of force is governed by:

• Common Law
• Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
• Section 117 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• The Human Rights Act 1998

4. Nothing in this policy overrides the fundamental duty of police officers to protect life in accordance with the law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
5. Taser technology has been subject to rigorous assessment and testing by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) to determine how well it meets the operational requirement.

6. In addition, The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) have undertaken a thorough programme of medical assessment.
7. The results of these assessments have been considered by an independent body, the Defence Scientific Advisory Council's Sub-Committee on the Medical Implications of 'less lethal' technologies (DOMILL), who have issued medical statements. (see appendix B)

3. SCOPE

1. DOMILL statements together with the findings from the operational usage thus far support this policy document and deployment.
2. ACPO considers that Taser may be issued alongside other existing personal safety tactical options. If justifiable and necessary it could be selected and used by trained officers facing violence or threats of violence of such severity that they will need to use force to protect the public, themselves and/or the subject(s).

4. OPERATIONAL AND TRAINING ISSUES

1. The intention is to provide Chief Officers, operational commanders and firearms officers with written guidance on the use of the equipment. The issue, deployment and use of Taser will conform to the well-established guidance already laid down in the ACPO Manual of Guidance on Police Use of Firearms and the ACPO Personal Safety Manual of Guidance.
2. The following principles will apply in respect to authority to deploy Taser:

• Taser will be deployed in circumstances where firearms officers are authorised to carry firearms,

OR

Where the authorising officer has reason to suppose that they, in the course of their duty, may have to protect the public, themselves and /or the subject(s) at incidents of violence or threats of violence of such severity that they will need to use force.

• Taser will be readily available.
• Once deployment as a Taser option has been authorised, to conflict management situations, usual supervision will apply, and the individual officer's usage must be justifiable and compliant with all existing legislation and associated ACPO/Service guidelines.
• Due to the diverse nature of policing operations it is not possible to provide a definitive list of circumstances where the use of Taser would be appropriate. Operational guidance on police use has been written to inform and support decision making, stipulating training, deployment and use.

3. Officers will be trained in line with the above principles. The minimum contact time for initial training to complete the training module is 18 hours. There will follow a minimum 6 hours per annum refresher training.
4. Detailed instruction on the characteristics, operation and use of the Taser will be covered in the training and documentation provided to officers to be accredited in its use.

5. No individual will be voluntarily subjected to the effects of Taser under any circumstances.
6. Protection is provided to officers who use Taser, and those upon whom it is used, by the data recorded by the device on each occasion that it is discharged.

5. POST INCIDENT PROCEDURES

1. In any situations where the Taser is discharged, appropriate post incident procedures will be implemented depending on the nature of the injury or harm occasioned.
2. The term use of the Taser' will include any of the following actions carried out in an operational setting:

1. Drawing of a Taser in circumstances where any person perceives the action as a use of force.
2. Sparking of the Taser commonly known as "arcing".
3. Aiming of the Taser or placing the laser sight red dot onto a subject.
4. Firing of a Taser so that the barbs are discharged at a subject.
5. Application and Discharge of a Taser in "drive stun mode" to a subject.

5.3.1 Taser discharges are only required to be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) if the discharge:

• resulted in death or serious injury;
• caused danger to the public, or
• revealed failings in command.

4. This allows forces to refer discharges in other circumstances if they think it appropriate. This might include, for example, where Tasers are used outside current policy guidelines.
5. In the event of an unintentional discharge where there has been no danger to the public, this will be subject to an internal investigation.
6. Below is the minimum standard where possible of post incident evidence recovery. Forces should consider the availability of evidence collection equipment including cameras and appropriate packaging.

6. EVALUATION

1. The operational use of Taser will be monitored by the ACPO, HOSDB, DSTL and DOMILL.
2. Operational usage will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that emerging issues are properly reflected in training and operational guidance. Representatives of HOSDB, DSTL and DOMILL will be invited to contribute to the process.
3. Taser Evaluation Forms will be completed on every occasion where Taser is used in a policing operation. (See Appendix H)
4. Forces should appoint a Taser Liaison Officer as a single point of contact in each force who should receive all Taser Deployment forms prior to them being submitted centrally for evaluation. This individual will then be the conduit between the force and the representative from the Conflict Management Portfolio in terms of clarifying any information on the form.

REVIEW

7.1 This policy will be subject to regular review.

Operational Use of Taser

by Authorised Firearms Officers

Operational Guidance

Operational Use of Taser by Authorised Firearms Officers

Notes for Guidance on Police Use

Operational Guidance Index

Page

Preface Introduction Description of Equipment Modes of Operation

Effects of the Taser Issue/Possession Possession outside Force Area.. Specific Risk Factors Training Use

Oral and Visual warnings Aftercare Post Incident Procedures Battery Maintenance Dataport Auditing Storage and Health and Safety Appendix A'.. Cross Border Protocols Appendix B' Independent Medical Statements Appendix C' Information sheet to subject/GP/Hospitals Appendix D'Taser Battery Usage Form Appendix E'M26 Taser Battery Recharging Form Appendix F'Generic Risk Assessment Appendix G'.. Health and Safety Legislation Appendix H'Evaluation Questionnaire

8-9

9

9 9-10 10 10-11 11 11-13 13 13-14 14 14-15 16 16

16

16-17 18

19-39 40-43 44 45 46-47 48 49

Preface

1. Managing conflict and responding to violence are core police functions. Police response is underpinned by Human Rights and in particular the obligation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to uphold the right to life.
2. This guidance is intended to inform the operational use of Taser. The use referred to in this document will be by authorised police firearms officers and will be subject to continued monitoring and regular review. Guidance for the use of any other approved Conducted Energy Device will need to be agreed by the ACPO, in consultation with HOSDB, DSTL and DOMILL.
3. The Secretary of State is supportive of the use of Taser by appropriately trained officers.
4. The use of Taser will be informed by reference to the ACPO Conflict Management Model, and is intended to provide Taser trained officers with an additional means of dealing with violence or threats of violence of such severity that it is likely that they will need to use force in order to protect the public, themselves and/or the subject(s). The availability or deployment of the Taser should not be considered as a replacement for conventional firearms should the relevant criteria for the issue of firearms be met.

Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) are, in accordance with the ACPO Manual of Guidance on Police Use of Firearms, issued with firearms – where the authorising officer has reason to suppose that they, in the course of their duty, may have to protect themselves or others from a person who is

• in possession of a firearm, or
• has immediate access to a firearm, or
• is otherwise so dangerous that the officer's use of a firearm may be necessary
• for the humane destruction of animals which are dangerous or suffering unnecessarily

5. The police use of force is governed by:

• Common Law
• Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
• Section 117 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• The Human Rights Act 1998.

6. Article 2 of the UN Basic Principles on the use of Force and Firearms states that: Governments and law enforcement agencies should develop a range of means as broad as possible and equip law enforcement officials with various types of weapons and ammunition that would allow for a differentiated use of force and firearms.'
7. The operational use of Taser is intended to provide firearms officers with a differentiated use of force.
8. The issue, deployment and use of the Taser will conform to the well-established guidance already laid down in the ACPO Manual of Guidance on Police Use of Firearms (the Manual). The following issues are therefore relevant:

• Taser will be deployed at the direction of a Conflict Management trained supervisor and the Taser officer will be subject to their usual line management. (A Taser officer does not have to be issued with conventional firearms.)

• The authorisation to deploy firearms will include the full range of conventional firearms and personal safety tactical options available to those officers.
• The post incident procedures set out in the Manual are specific to the use of conventional weapons.
• In situations where conventional firearms are not discharged, appropriate post incident procedures following the use of the Taser will be implemented depending on the nature of the injury or harm occasioned.

9. This guidance will be subject to regular review.

2. Introduction

1. The purpose of this guidance is to inform and support decision making in relation to training, deployment and use of the Taser.
2. The intention is to provide Chief Officers, operational commanders and firearms officers with written guidance on the use of the equipment.
3. Detailed instructions on the characteristics, operation and use of the Taser will be covered in the training and documentation provided to officers to be accredited in its use.

3. Description of equipment

1. The Taser is a single shot weapon designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject through the use of an electrical current, which temporarily interferes with the body's neuromuscular system.
2. The Taser is laser-sighted and uses cartridges attached to the end of the cartridge bay. The cartridges project a pair of barbs or darts attached to insulated wires. The maximum range of the device is currently 21 feet (6.4 metres); this being the length of the wires that carry the current and attach the barbs to the weapon. It may also be used in a "drive stun" mode.
3. The device delivers a sequence of very high voltage pulses of very short duration through the wires.
4. The normal reaction of a person exposed to the discharge of the Taser is the loss of some voluntary muscle control resulting in the subject falling to the ground or freezing' on the spot. The device relies on physiological effects other than pain alone to achieve its objective, although pain is the main factor when it is used in drive stun' mode.

4. Modes of operation

1. The Taser may be operated with or without the cartridge that fires the wires and contact barbs. The electric charge can therefore be delivered to a subject either by:

• means of two barbs, attached to the weapon by fine insulated wires, discharged into the subject or their clothing, or

• direct contact with the device in drive stun' mode. This method of delivery can be achieved with either no cartridge fitted or when a discharged cartridge is still attached. To achieve a greater area of incapacitation, at close quarters, discharging a cartridge and drive stunning at an alternative body site spreads the area of contact, this is referred to as "Angled Drive Stun".

2. To be effective, the Taser power source must be sufficiently charged, the wires connecting the barbs to the Taser must be unbroken and both darts (or in drive stun' mode both electrodes) much attach to the subject's body or clothing.

5. Effects of the Taser

1. In either mode the Taser delivers its electrical charge in a five-second cycle (which can be broken or repeated), but once the cycle ends or is broken, the direct incapacitation effect ceases.
2. In most cases this application will be sufficient to render a subject incapable of continuing an attack and is likely to result in the subject collapsing to the ground. The effect is not intended nor is it likely to render the subject into a state of unconsciousness.
3. Provided both barbs attach correctly, with sufficient spread, the effects are likely to be instantaneous. It should, however, be remembered that no incapacitating device, including firearms capable of discharging conventional ammunition, is universally effective and there may be individuals on whom the Taser may not be effective at all or only partially so.
4. The direct incapacitating effect is only likely to last for as long as the electrical charge is being delivered. The subject may recover immediately afterwards and could continue with their previous behaviour. It is therefore important that an incapacitated subject is approached and restrained quickly and effectively.
5. Whilst the 5 second cycle electrical charge can be repeated if the incapacitation effect does not occur, there may be technical or physiological reasons why the device is not working as expected on a particular individual.
   6. Issue/Possession

1. The Taser will only be issued to authorised firearms officers who have successfully completed approved ACPO sponsored training in the use of the device.
2. Conducted Energy Devices are classified as prohibited weapons' by virtue of Sec. 5 Firearms Act 1968. Police officers whilst acting in their capacity as such, are exempt from the requirements of the legislation and do not need any additional legal authority to possess the Taser.
3. The Taser should not be regarded as a replacement for other issued 'work equipment'', or for firearms capable of discharging conventional ammunition, but rather one of a number of personal safety tactical options. An officer may also need to resort to another option if the device does not have the effect intended.
4. In circumstances where authorised firearms officers have been deployed to a situation, the authorisation to utilise their firearm will also include the authority to use any other less lethal option or technology with which they have been issued including, where appropriate, the Taser.

5. It would be inappropriate for commanders or supervisory officers to attempt to restrict the deployment of an authorised firearms officer to a particular less lethal technology or personal safety tactical option.
6. The limited range and single shot capability of the Taser are constraining factors.
7. The Taser normally causes immediate incapacitation and its effect may also cause muscles to contract. This may result in immediate and involuntary clenching of the fingers and/or the arms rising uncontrollably. This potential reaction requires to be factored into any decision to utilise the Taser against a subject actually holding what is believed to be a firearm, as the application of the Taser may cause the subject to unintentionally and indiscriminately discharge the firearm. Additionally, it has been shown that it is possible, in certain circumstances, for some individuals to maintain enough control to aim and fire a weapon while under the effects of Taser.
8. However, if the weapon is merely close to hand the Taser may be useful in preventing the subject gaining access to the weapon.

7. Possession outside Force area

7.1 Firearms officers are on occasions deployed outside of their immediate Force area. Chief Officers will agree a protocol with neighbouring Forces (Appendix A) that enables officers equipped with the Taser to utilise the device should they be required to respond in a neighbouring Force area. Individual Chief Officers will remain vicariously liable in civil law for their own officers' actions. Guidance for the use of the Taser, whether within or outside the Force area, is set out below.

8. Specific Risk Factors

1. The most recent DOMILL statement reference DSTL/BSC/27/01/07 dated 30 May 2007 identifies that children and adults of smaller stature as being at potentially greater risk from the cardiac effects of Taser currents than normal adults of average or large stature. DOMILL recommends that AFOs should be particularly vigilant for any Taser-induced adverse responses in this subset of the population.
2. Occasions will arise where it is necessary to use the Taser on a person who is exhibiting violent behaviour and who is also suffering from a mental disorder or illness. Where it is possible to discuss options with mental health professionals, this should be considered.
3. In pre-planned joint activities such discussions could form part of any briefing for the event. Consultation with friends, relatives etc. who are likely to know the person well may also assist in deciding on the most appropriate use of force response. Consultation with Health Authorities and Social Services in this respect will form part of the implementation plan. (See independent medical statements at Appendix B'). The final decision to use the Taser in these circumstances will rest with the officer concerned.
4. Similarly where it becomes apparent that the subject has an existing medical condition or is under the influence of drugs, assessment of these additional risk factors should be made in determining the appropriate option.

5. Research by HOSDB has demonstrated that there is a risk of flammability if someone has already been sprayed with an incapacitant containing a flammable solvent. Clearly, there is also a risk of flammability where the subjects' clothing is doused with other flammable liquids. These might include, but are not limited to, lighter fuel, petrol and strong alcoholic spirits.
6. This heightened risk must be factored in when assessing the appropriateness' and necessity' of using a Taser. It is however recognised that there are circumstances where the only alternative may be the use of a potentially lethal firearm capable of discharging conventional ammunition, or where activation of the Taser irrespective of the additional risk is absolutely necessary to protect life.
7. Further risk has been identified from use of Taser in proximity to a number of explosive formulations, which are sensitive to electrical discharge. One such group is the 'organic peroxide explosives' such as HMTD and TATP. Items that produce an electrical discharge (such as Taser) will set off peroxide explosives and other sensitive explosives. Other explosive materials may also be sensitive to electrical discharge, depending on how the material is packaged, its age, storage conditions and other factors. The heightened risk, in relation to subjects who may be holding or in close proximity to an improvised explosive device, must also be factored in when assessing the appropriateness' and necessity' of using a Taser. The potential threat of the subject being able to initiate the improvised explosive device, should the use of the Taser be ineffective, must also be taken into account.
8. The Taser should not be utilised in an environment where, due to the presence of a flammable substance in the atmosphere or escaping gas, its use is likely to result in an even more hazardous situation.
9. The normal reaction of a person exposed to the discharge of a Taser is the loss of some voluntary muscle control resulting in the subject falling to the ground or freezing' on the spot. For this reason there is clearly a possibility of some secondary injury to the tasered subject, caused by falling and striking a hard surface. In this regard the risk of concussive brain injury as a result of the head hitting a rigid surface is considered especially pertinent. Particular attention should therefore be paid to the immediate environment and to assessing any additional risk factors. This issue will be particularly relevant where the subject is located at some height above the ground where there is increased risk from a fall.
10. Repeated, prolonged and/or continuous exposure to the Taser electrical discharge may cause strong muscle contractions that may impair breathing and respiration, particularly when the probes are placed across the chest or diaphragm. Users should avoid prolonged, extended, uninterrupted discharges or extensive multiple discharges whenever practicable in order to minimise the potential for over-exertion of the subject or potential impairment of full ability to breathe over a prolonged time period.
11. There is a specific risk of injury to the eye through penetration of a barb. Barb penetration in the neck or head may also increase the level of injury. For this reason the Taser should not be aimed so as to strike the head or neck of a subject unless this is wholly unavoidable. The laser sight should not intentionally be aimed at the eyes of the subject.

9. Training

1. The aims and objectives of training in the use of the Taser are contained in the Taser Training Modules.

2. Tactical training in the use of the Taser should emphasise precautions in relation to the specific risk factors contained in this guidance.
3. Authorised Firearms Officers are trained in conflict management and must be aware of the dangers associated with the conditions known as positional asphyxia' and acute behavioural disorder'.
4. It is important that officers have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of conducted energy devices.

10. Use

1. Use of the Taser is one of a number of tactical options available to an officer who is faced with violence or the threat of violence. Its purpose is to temporarily incapacitate an individual in order to control and neutralise the threat that they pose. It must not be used to inflict severe pain or suffering on another in the performance or purported performance of official duties (The Criminal Justice Act 1988, s.134)
2. The duration of the initial discharge and any subsequent discharge must be proportionate, lawful, appropriate, necessary and non-discriminate, in all the circumstances. The decision to use the Taser is an individual one for which the officer will be accountable. The Conflict Management Model should assist officers in making such judgements.
3. Officers will carry out appropriate functions checks in accordance with their training whenever the weapon is issued.
4. When the Taser is discharged at a subject, a separation of the two barbs greater than 8" (200mm) is desirable in order to provide maximum incapacitation. This separation is achieved at a range of 5 feet (1.5 metres) or by use of angled "drive stun". The separation of the barbs increases with range. It is also important that the barbs penetrate the subjects' skin or at least attach onto their clothing, otherwise the circuit cannot be completed.
5. The Taser is sighted so that the top barb will strike in the area of the projected laser sight. It is acknowledged that there will be diminished accuracy and a fall off in trajectory at ranges in excess of 15 feet (4.6 metres). Ordinarily the Taser should be aimed to strike the body mass below the neck. Because of the specific risks previously highlighted (para 7.11) the Taser should not be aimed so as to strike the head or neck of a subject unless this is wholly unavoidable. The laser sight should not intentionally be aimed at the eyes of the subject.
6. In stun mode the Taser should be pressed directly to the subjects body. Unless absolutely necessary in order to protect life the Taser should not, due to increased risk factors, be applied directly to the subjects' neck or head.
7. The risk of an officer receiving an electric shock whilst handling a subject who is being Tasered is low provided that the officer does not place any part of their body directly between the points of contact of the barbs on the subjects' body.
8. The term use of the Taser' will include any of the following actions carried out in an operational setting:

1. Drawing of a Taser in circumstances where any person perceives the action as a use of force.

2. Sparking of the Taser commonly known as "arcing".
3. Aiming of the Taser or placing the laser sight red dot onto a subject.
4. Firing of a Taser so that the barbs are discharged at a subject.
5. Application and Discharge of a Taser in "drive stun mode" to a subject.

9. An evaluation form (See Appendix H') is to be completed for every operation where Taser is used.
10. All forces should appoint a Taser Liaison Officer as a single point of contact in each force who should receive all Taser Deployment forms prior to them being submitted centrally for evaluation. This individual will then be the conduit between the force and the representative from the relevant ACPO Police Secretariat in terms of clarifying any information on the form.
    11. Oral and Visual warnings

1. Where circumstances permit, officers should give a clear warning of their intent to use the Taser, giving sufficient time for the warnings to be observed, unless to do so would unduly place any person at risk, or would be clearly inappropriate or pointless in the circumstances of the incident.
2. It may in certain circumstances be appropriate to provide a visual display of the sparking effect of the unloaded Taser in order to induce compliance, thus avoiding the need to actually discharge the Taser at the subject.
3. The visual effect of the laser sight being directed at an individual may also have a deterrent effect. Officers should be aware that the pointing of a Taser at an individual represents a use of force and may in certain circumstances constitute an assault.
4. Police officers shall give the clear verbal warning Taser, Taser' indicating to all persons in the vicinity that Taser is being discharged.

12. Aftercare

1. Recovery from the direct effects of the Taser should be almost instantaneous, once the current has been turned off. After application of the Taser and once the subject has been properly restrained it is important that the officer provides verbal reassurance as to the temporary effects of the Taser and instructs the subject to breathe normally. This will aid recovery and mitigate against hyperventilation.
2. The barbs are designed to penetrate either the clothing or the skin. Injuries caused by Taser barbs penetrating the skin are normally minor.
3. Unless there is an operational necessity no attempt should be made by officers to remove the barbs which have penetrated the skin. This should only be done by a medical professional either at the scene, at a hospital or in the custody suite. This is principally because of the requirement for infection control, the potential for additional trauma to the skin and superficial tissues of the subject, and risk of self injury. Needles/barbs in particularly vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, should always be removed by medical staff only. In the event of there being

an operational necessity, only officers trained in barb removal and the risks should carry out this procedure.

4. However, officers also have a duty of care in relation to the well-being of individuals under their control. Where it is evident that the barbs are attached to clothing (with no penetration of the skin) they may be removed by gently pulling on the barbs. Care should be taken not to unnecessarily further damage the clothing.
5. Once the barbs are removed, they must be secured as evidence and any injury or damage noted. Barbs removed from the body should be considered as biohazards. It is important that suitable evidential containers are readily available. Once removed the barbs must be examined to ensure that they are complete.
6. Where officers are informed or come to believe that a person to whom the Taser had been applied has a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted device in place, immediate referral should be made to a hospital. Similarly, if the subject is found to have any other pre-existing medical condition that might lead to increased medical risk immediate referral to a hospital should be considered.
7. All arrested persons who have been subjected to the discharge of a Taser, must be examined by a Forensic Medical Examiner as soon as practicable. "All arrested persons who have been subjected to the discharge of a Taser must be examined by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) as soon as practicable. In instances where the detained person has sustained a head injury as a result of the secondary effect of the Taser discharge, the FME should use his or her clinical judgement, based on the degree of injury incurred, to decide whether hospital referral is warranted". Particular attention should be given to detained persons who are known to have, or are suspected to be suffering from, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy or any other condition (including alcohol and/or illicit drug intoxication) which may influence the individual's fitness to be detained and which, in some cases, may warrant transfer to hospital. (Where an individual is detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and conveyed direct to a hospital – this guidance must be brought to the attention of the doctor in charge of the Mental Health Unit at the hospital).
8. Close monitoring of a subject throughout the period following application of the Taser is of utmost importance. If the person is detained in a cell they should be subject to the same cell supervision provided for persons who have consumed alcohol or drugs. If there are any signs of adverse or unusual reactions then medical attention should be provided immediately and if necessary this must be given precedence over conveying the subject to the police station.
9. Experience from the use of Tasers in other countries, which is supported by medical assessment in the UK, has shown that the persons most likely to be at greatest risk from any harmful effects of the Taser device are those also suffering from the effects of drugs or who have been struggling violently. There are cases where such persons exposed to the effects of Taser have died some time after being exposed although the cause is unlikely to have been Taser itself. For this reason, such persons should be very closely monitored following exposure to the effects of the Taser. In addition, and as highlighted in other guidance, if there is any suspicion at all that the violent behaviour of any subject is being caused by Acute Behavioural Disorder; they should be treated as a medical emergency and conveyed directly to hospital.
10. At the earliest opportunity following arrival at the custody suite, any person who has been subjected to a Taser discharge should be given an information leaflet describing the Taser, its mode of operation and effects (See Appendix C'). This should be fully explained and recorded on the custody record.