Electric-Shock Weapons, Tasers and Policing

Abi Dymond is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology Department at the University of Exeter. Prior to joining academia, she worked for over ten years for various human rights and international development NGOs, including the Omega Research Foundation.

"The care with which police approach the use of force – whether lethal or less than lethal – is one of the most important measures of the quality of policing. Dr Dymond has produced the first significant analysis of the adoption and development of the use of the TASER. Her careful blending of the policy, theory and her own primary research provides a seminal study that deserved to be read by practitioners, policy makers and students of policing. A recommended read for 2021"Peter Neyroud, Associate Professor in the Jerry Lee Centre for Experimental Criminology, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge."This thought provoking book provides a much-needed critical look at the use of electric-shock weapons and police use of force, as well as careful, well-considered policy recommendations and constructive challenge to all of us working in this area. Eschewing simplistic answers, and delving into the complexity of such topics, it makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the risks evident in poorly developed systems and how these can be mitigated against through robust policing professional standards. As a human rights practitioner, this book could not come at a more critical moment".Oliver Feeley-Sprague, Amnesty International UK’s Military, Security and Police Programme Director.'Abi Dymond's long-standing and deep interest and experience in the use of conducted energy weapons is reflected in this book which encompasses her personal view of Taser, its use and implications. It is very widely referenced, and uses an extensive and enlightening range of information sources. As such it should be read by all those with an interest in this increasingly challenging field, whether from a law-enforcement, legal, medical, scientific or human rights background’. Jason Payne-James, Specialist in Forensic & Legal Medicine, Consultant Forensic Physician

• 1.Introduction 2.Technologies, Tools and TASERs 3.‘Better stunned than gunned’? Origin myths and mission creep 4.A ‘nicer’ weapon? Projectile electric-shock weapons and public safety 5.‘There’s nothing bad I can say about TASER’: TASER and officer safety 6.‘There's no right or wrong’: Laws, policies and training 7.‘Just a tool’: Revisiting human and non-human agency 8.‘You cannot obtain accountability’: Officer accountability for use of force 9.Conclusion