Tasers Fail in Recent NYPD Shootings: Longstanding Device Issues
In the recent shootings at the Sutter Ave. L train station in Brownsville, the NYPD attempted to use Tasers before resorting to lethal force. Unfortunately, the Tasers were deemed ineffective in both incidents, raising concerns about the reliability of these devices. This is not an isolated issue, as Tasers have failed roughly 40% of the time since the NYPD began issuing more of them to officers nearly a decade ago. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, described the Taser as the most complicated weapon that police officers have at their disposal.
Challenges with Taser Effectiveness
One of the main challenges with Tasers is the need for officers to be within 15 feet of a person for the device to be effective. This close proximity can increase the perceived threat level for officers, especially when the Taser fails to incapacitate the individual. As a result, officers may feel compelled to resort to deadly force as a last resort. This was evident in the recent shootings where officers attempted to use Tasers but ultimately had to use their firearms to subdue the suspects.
Usage and Effectiveness of Tasers
The NYPD has been utilizing Tasers for several years, with a significant increase in the number of officers trained to use them starting in 2015. By 2022, nearly three-quarters of the NYPD’s force of over 36,000 uniformed officers were trained in Taser usage. However, despite the widespread training, Tasers have only been effective about 60% of the time since 2017, according to NYPD data. There was a slight improvement in effectiveness in 2020 and 2021, but the numbers dropped again in 2022.
According to NYPD data, officers most commonly discharged Tasers during a crime in progress or when dealing with emotionally disturbed individuals. Tasers were also used during traffic violations, crowd control situations, and when issuing restraining orders. While most officers are trained to use Tasers, not all of them carry one at all times. Tasers are distributed on a rotating basis across precincts, transit, and housing units, with nearly 9,000 Tasers allocated for the department as of 2022.
Challenges and Solutions
The ineffectiveness of Tasers can be attributed to several factors, including thick clothing that prevents the prongs from penetrating, prongs falling off the target, or individuals being impervious to the effects of the electric shock. Policing expert Ed Obayashi highlighted these issues and emphasized the importance of proper deployment for maximum effectiveness. As Tasers rely on both prongs successfully attaching to deliver the electric shock, any failure in this process can render the device ineffective.
In light of recent incidents where Tasers failed, there are growing concerns about how officers are approaching situations involving suspected fare evasion and whether they are following de-escalation protocols. Chuck Wexler advised officers to be more deliberate in their approach, emphasizing the use of time, distance, and communication to defuse tense situations. Elected officials and police experts are calling for a reevaluation of Taser usage and greater adherence to de-escalation techniques to prevent unnecessary escalation of force.
In conclusion, the recent failures of Tasers in NYPD shootings highlight the complexities and challenges associated with these devices. While Tasers can be effective in certain situations, their reliability is not guaranteed, leading to potential escalation of force. As law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with these issues, it is crucial to prioritize training, proper deployment, and de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of both officers and the public.
