The neuroendocrine effects of the TASER X26^®: A brief report

Abstract 

Introduction

Law enforcement officers use conducted electrical weapons (CEW) such as the TASER X26^® to control violently resistive subjects. There are no studies in the medical literature examining the effects of these weapons on the human stress response. This is the first study to compare the human stress response to conducted electrical weapons, oleoresin capsicum (O.C.), a cold-water tank immersion, and a defensive tactics drill.

Methods

Subjects were randomized to one of the four interventions studied. Subjects received either a 5-s exposure from the TASER X26 CEW with the probes fired into the back from 7ft, a 5-s spray of O.C., a skin and mucous membrane irritant, to the eyes, a 45-s exposure of the hand and forearm in a 0°C cold water tank, or a 1-min defensive tactics drill.

Results

Alpha-amylase had the greatest increase from baseline at 10–15min with the defensive tactics drill. Cortisol had the greatest increase at 15–20min with O.C. Cortisol remained most elevated at 40–60min in the defensive tactics drill group.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggests that physical exertion during custodial arrest may be most activating of the human stress response, particularly the sympathetic–adrenal–medulla axis. This may suggest that techniques to limit the duration of this exertion may be the safest means to apprehend subjects, particularly those at high-risk for in-custody death. Conducted electrical weapons were not more activating of the human stress response than other uses of force.

Keywords: TASER, Conducted electrical weapon, Stress response, In-custody death