In January 2023, AXON Inc (maker of the Taser© range of projectile electric shock weapons) announced the Taser 10, a new 10 shot Taser. In a fanfare of publicity, AXON claimed this weapon was going to be a ‘game changer’.
UK policing is a major user of Taser weapons, which are central to police use of force options. The UK is one of AXON’s key customers and AXON is the sole supplier of ‘conducted energy devices’ (Taser is a type of projectile electric shock weapon) to the UK police. This monopoly position means UK police have no choice but to adopt new Taser weapons, as previous models are removed from sale and support due to AXON’s business cycle of introducing new devices. The UK has started a process of assessing and testing Taser 10 for eventual deployment by UK police.
Taser 10
Taser 10 is the same size and profile as the Taser 7 (T7), but instead of the T7’s two cartridges (each with two probes), Taser 10 has 10 cartridges, with single probes, each of which can be individually aimed and fired sequentially. This means if a probe misses the target, or fails to penetrate skin, a second, third or more probe can be fired without reloading. Reloading a new magazine would give an additional 10 probes. A single trigger pull fires a single probe, with the first probe fired without any electrical output. To achieve incapacitation of the targeted person, a minimum of 2 probes must be fired to complete the electrical circuit. The ability to aim individual probes could assist in probe placement and probe spread, possibly increasing the chance of incapacitating the target. Each probe is uniquely marked with a serial number, which could assist in accountability measures.
Probes
Taser 10 is capable of firing all 10 probes (requiring 10 trigger pulls), although only a maximum of 4 probes will be charged. The weapon automatically selects which 2,3 or 4 probes have the best connection, charges them and changes their polarity with up to 44 pulses per second – designed to attain ‘neuro muscular incapacitation’ more effectively. The weapon delivers a default 5 second electric shock, the user can then choose to deliver an additional 5 second shock or, by holding up the ‘selector switch’, can prolong the charge as long as the switch is held up, or the batteries last. Repeated and extended shocking of persons with previous models has led to deaths and been heavily criticised by human rights and medical organisations.
Voltage
Taser 10 delivers a maximum voltage of 1,000 volts (previous models were 50,000v). This means that the charge will not jump an air gap, or penetrate clothing, and thus the probe must penetrate the skin for the weapon to work. One positive result of this design change is that, unlike earlier models, Taser 10 cannot act as a direct contact electric shock weapon – a mode of use (drive stun) that has previously raised serious concerns.
Skin penetration
The need for skin penetration to achieve incapacitation, and the necessity to drive through clothing, results in Taser 10 having a longer probe barb than any previous Taser weapon probes. This raises the risk that ‘full depth penetration’ of the barb may impact internal organs. This risk would be increased in small or slightly built individuals, with an even greater risk in children. The longer barb may also lead to greater injury when it is removed, especially if done by unqualified persons.
Taser 10’s reduced voltage allows for thinner and lighter wires, and a smaller probe. Probes are launched by activation of a pyrotechnic charge (not nitrogen as in previous models), and at a higher velocity, resulting in increased accuracy, better probe placement (and incapacitation), and a maximum range of 45ft/13.71m (though whether this is achieved in use remains to be seen in testing and trialing). This range is almost double that of any previous model, and means that police should be able to have more time to assess and de-escalate the situation, and possibly avoid using the weapon at all.
UK police expect to complete technical testing and medical safety assessment of Taser 10 by early 2025, and then seek ministerial approval for deployment of Taser 10 to UK police from April 2025.
The nature of the Taser 10 weapon with its 10 shot capability, longer barbs, and need to penetrate the skin, raises some serious concerns. No independent testing data has been released, and, as it is not yet in in widespread operational use, there is little ‘real world’ data available.
Taser 10 is a new weapon, with new modes of use and tactical scenarios. There will need to be updated and enhanced training curricula and courses, alongside stricter policy and oversight mechanisms in place, to hold police to account for their use of Taser weapons.