Far too many people have been killed at the hands of police officers. News media and Black Lives Matter have raised awareness in recent years on the excessive use of force by law enforcement. Among suggestions to curb such trends, the use of less-lethal weapons has been advocated. Fatal police shootings such as that involving Walter Wallace Jr. in Philadelphia in October 2020 remain fresh in the public’s mind.
What Is a PhaZZer CEW?
A PhaZZer, or Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW), otherwise known as a stun gun, is an alternative to other name-brand CEWs and traditional firearms. Just like our competitors, it allows an officer to fire two small dart-like electrodes. These deliver a high-voltage shock to temporarily disable a suspect. CEWS have been used in the United Kingdom since 2003. While it’s illegal for citizens to possess them—penalties include up to 10 years in prison—police officers are required to complete 18 hours of training and an annual refresher course each year.1
The concept has been around for decades. However, the first modern CEW was introduced in the early 1990s. Still, the number of fatal police shootings continues to increase; on average, about 1,000 people are fatally shot by police each year, according to The Washington Post.2
The Need for a Non-Violent Solution
Police departments have been arming police officers with CEWs or weighing the option of doing so. Such is the case in Philadelphia, where city legislators proposed allocating millions of dollars to purchase thousands of PhaZZers and related equipment, including battery packs, live cartridges, and holsters, as well as training and training cartridges.
The discussion follows the killing of Wallace on October 26th. However, the plan was delayed in November, so it’s not anticipated that Philadelphia police officers will be outfitted with stun guns before the end of 2020.3. However, about a third of them have completed relevant training.4
Training has been identified as one effective method of curbing police brutality and controlling officer behavior by the American Psychological Association. Other methods include peer intervention, candidate screening, and collecting data on officer behavior.5
When Can a Police Officer Use a CEW?
In general, police policy allows cops to use these weapons when reasonable, and the circumstances warrant such action. Otherwise, the use of a CEW can be considered excessive and/or abusive force, but they are generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. In the United States, laws regarding permitting and using CEWS vary from state to state, but they are usually legal in virtually all states. Please check your local laws.
Your Complete Source of Less Lethal Weapons
At PhaZZer®, we offer some of the most effective and safest CEW models, featuring safety shut-down circuits, sight lasers, and rechargeable batteries. The PhaZZer® Enforcer is designed to comply with police guidelines. Continue browsing to learn more. For assistance in finding the best CEW for your agency, please don't hesitate to contact Phazzer at 833-742-9937 with any questions or to discuss your department’s specific needs.
Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49405999
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/investigations/police-shootings-database/
- https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/philly-city-council-hits-the-brakes-on-plan-to-arm-all-city-cops-with-tasers/
- https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-council-looks-to-boost-police-funding-to-purchase-tasers/article_82bd624a-f8d6-53a9-bd98-8ce601532e11.html
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/cover-police-brutality