What is an Energy Weapon?

TASER energy weapons save lives and de-escalate dangerous situations without the need to use lethal force. Energy weapons are devices that use electrical current to temporarily incapacitate targets, using similar technology found in off-the-shelf muscle stimulators. Temporarily incapacitating targets allows users to de-escalate dangerous situations and prevent escalation to lethal force. Energy weapons are sometimes also referred to as conducted electrical weapons, electronic control devices, or electroshock weapons (among other variations).

Energy weapons and stun guns are separate categories of products within the use of force continuum. An energy weapon functions differently than a stun gun. Let’s explore some of the major differences:

An energy weapon provides an electrical charge to a target through remote delivery. An energy weapon typically includes a handle and one or more replaceable cartridges. A cartridge includes one or more projectiles, attached to the cartridge with insulated conductive wires, that can be launched at a distance toward a target. When at least two projectiles connect with a target, an electrical circuit is created. The energy weapon handle transmits controlled pulses of electricity through the projectiles to stimulate skeletal muscles of the human body without damaging the heart or other vital organs. These pulses affect the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system and can cause temporary incapacitation of the target.

In contrast, a stun gun provides an electrical charge to a target through direct contact of the stun gun against the target. A stun gun often includes two electrical contacts that produce an electrical arc causing pain (not incapacitation) when pressed against the target. Although an energy weapon is sometimes also able to provide an electrical charge via direct contact, an energy weapon is primarily designed to deliver the electrical charge through deployment of projectiles, at a distance.