TASER energy weapons are revolutionary public safety tools that have transformed law enforcement's ability to de-escalate and resolve potentially dangerous situations non-lethally.
However, Hollywood's portrayal of this technology often perpetuates misconceptions and exaggerations.
Let's examine the key inaccuracies in cinematic depictions of TASER energy weapons and clarify how they actually function in real-world scenarios.
Stun guns vs. TASER energy weapons
One of the most common misconceptions stems from the interchangeable use of stun gun technology and TASER technology in movies.
TASER is a brand of energy weapons offered by Axon. First created by Jack Cover, a former NASA scientist, TASER technology has been around since 1974. Axon's original TASER energy weapon, the Air TASER, was released in 1993.
Over the last 30 years, TASER technology has progressed and is now an important piece of connected public safety technology offered by Axon. TASER energy weapons are primarily deployed from a distance, providing a significant tactical advantage.
Specifically, they use electrical current to temporarily incapacitate subjects by inducing neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI), temporarily overriding the subject's nervous system.
Simply put, a signal is sent to a subject's muscles telling them to flex, using similar technology found in off-the-shelf muscle stimulators. Learn more about NMI here.
In contrast to TASER energy weapons, stun guns require direct contact with the subject and rely on pain compliance rather than NMI.
They deliver a localized shock that causes pain but doesn't incapacitate a subject. Some TASER models do have a "drive-stun" capability for close-quarters use, but this is not their primary function.
Movies often show characters using "stun guns" to instantly incapacitate subjects with a quick touch. These depictions blend the capabilities of stun guns and TASER energy weapons, creating unrealistic expectations of how these tools work in real life. Learn more about the differences between energy weapons and stun guns here.
Exaggeration in “Central Intelligence”
Stun guns and TASER energy weapons do not cause subjects to pass out
Perhaps the most pervasive movie myth is that TASER energy weapons or stun guns cause subjects to lose consciousness. Countless scenes show characters being "zapped" and immediately falling unconscious, often for extended periods.
Exaggeration in “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”
In reality, TASER energy weapons are designed to incapacitate a subject, usually for about 5 seconds, allowing law enforcement officers to safely restrain them.
The subject typically recovers almost immediately after the cycle ends. The incapacitation is due to NMI, not unconsciousness or electrical shock.
This misconception can lead to dangerous expectations in real-world scenarios. If people believe TASER energy weapon exposure leads to unconsciousness, they might underestimate the need for immediate restraint or overestimate the duration of incapacitation.
Effective probe spread is crucial for TASER energy weapons
Movies rarely depict the crucial role of probe spread in the effectiveness of TASER energy weapons. For NMI to occur, the probes need to be spread apart sufficiently on the subject's body.
Ideally, they should make contact at least 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
Film scenes often show TASER devices being effective at extremely close range or with probes hitting very close together. In reality, such scenarios would likely result in localized pain but not full-body NMI.
Legacy models rely on proper deployment technique to achieve effective spread because they deploy two probes simultaneously at predefined angles. The latest TASER model, TASER 10, addresses this limitation by allowing officers to place individual probes more precisely to create their own spread.
Exaggeration in "American Ultra"
Getting the most out of TASER technology
Hollywood tends to portray TASER energy weapons as a standalone tool, ignoring their integration with broader law enforcement technology ecosystems. In reality, modern TASER energy weapons are part of a connected network of devices and software solutions.
For instance, when a TASER device is drawn or armed, it can automatically activate nearby officers' body-worn cameras, fostering trust and accountability. TASER devices also capture usage information and store the information in TASER logs. The TASER logs are uploaded into Axon's digital evidence management system, Axon Evidence, providing crucial data for post-incident analysis and accountability.
This integration creates a more comprehensive approach to public safety that goes far beyond simple incapacitation.
Conclusion
While movies provide entertainment, they often sacrifice accuracy for dramatic effect. Understanding the real capabilities and limitations of TASER energy weapons is crucial for public safety professionals and civilians alike.
These energy weapons are effective tools when used correctly, but they are not the magic wands often portrayed in cinema.
By dispelling these misconceptions, we can foster a more informed discussion about the role of TASER energy weapons in law enforcement and public safety. As technology continues to evolve, it's essential to stay educated about these tools and their proper use in real-world scenarios.
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