They’re a controversial weapon used by police across the globe. And now, new research has shown that Tasers could cause serious short term cognitive impairments. While they’re not lethal like their handgun counterparts, they do pack a punch, delivering 50,000 volts of electricity to the skin. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t a harm free assault, with both the body and the brain feeling the buzz.
New research has revealed that following a Taser shock, a person suffers from significant reductions in some aspects of cognitive function. While these effects are short-term, the fact that Tasers do induce temporary brain damage has alarmed some scientists.
The right to think straight
For police, using a Taser runs the risk of suspects being unable to understand their rights while being arrested. Specialists warn that it could also trigger irrational or violent reactions, which could ultimately have an impact on their final sentence.
The study was published in the Criminology & Public Policy journal, with the Drexel and Arizona State University drawing on the experiences of 142 participants. All underwent extensive psychological and physiological screenings, with the experiment conducted in a hospital to minimise the risk of any incidents. As part of the study, participants were assigned one of four conditions at random. These included nothing (the control group), striking a punching bag to simulate the adrenalin of an arrest, a five-second Taser shock, and hitting a punch bag, followed by the shock. Before, during and after the experiment scientists measured a variety of different cognitive function aspects, including memory, learning and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT).
Short term shock to the brain
The results indicated that exposure to a Taser shock temporarily reduced the ability to recall information, as well as integrate new auditory facts. For example, prior to the experiment all groups scored above average in the HVLT test. After receiving a Taser shock, participants dropped down to the cognitive functionality of a 79-year-old adult. The results are particularly concerning, as the participants were all young, healthy, calm and substance free. With the majority of arrests not meeting these characteristics, the effects of a real-life Taser shock could be even more alarming.
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FAQs
New research has revealed that following a Taser shock, a person suffers from significant reductions in some aspects of cognitive function. While these effects are short-term, the fact that Tasers do induce temporary brain damage has alarmed some scientists.
Do tasers do long-term damage? ›
A: TASER energy weapons are designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject only as long as the electrical cycle . . . meaning the subject can recover immediately and most feel no residual side-effects. There are no known long-term effects from being exposed to a TASER energy weapon.
Is it possible to not be affected by a Taser? ›
In some cases, it's not obvious why a stun gun doesn't incapacitate a person. In other cases, it's more clear: For instance, a stun gun doesn't work unless two or more of the darts it fires connect with a person.
What is the failure rate of a Taser? ›
When the stun guns fail to subdue a suspect, however, confrontations may escalate to police using deadly force. And studies, as well as the experience of individual police departments, have shown that Tasers fail to bring down their target as much as 40 percent of the time.
How long does it take to recover from being tasered? ›
An electric Taser can incapacitate someone for as long as its electrical cycle lasts, typically around 5 seconds. People usually recover immediately and feel no residual side effects, but it's important to keep an eye on them afterward to make sure that there was no injury for at least 20 minutes afterward.
Does taser affect the brain? ›
Strikes can temporarily affect memory and cognition
After being hit with a stun gun, you might not be able to recall short-term memories. And you may have trouble processing new information, which could last for up to one hour, one study found.
Are tasers actually useful? ›
While a TASER device is just as painful as a normal stun gun, it's more effective at incapacitating muscle functions so an attacker can't move. The projectile prongs on TASERs make them ubiquitous among law enforcement agencies with police TASER devices offering more range than consumer models—up to 35 feet.
How bad does a small Taser hurt? ›
In general, the pain caused by a stun gun can be likened to a strong muscle cramp or a full-body jolt. Factors affecting the pain level: Duration: The longer the Taser cycle lasts (generally up to five seconds), the more intense the discomfort becomes.
What happens if you get tased in the head? ›
New research has revealed that following a Taser shock, a person suffers from significant reductions in some aspects of cognitive function. While these effects are short-term, the fact that Tasers do induce temporary brain damage has alarmed some scientists.
Why don t people use tasers instead of guns? ›
The Taser also only gives you two shots, so if you miss both or can't get through whatever the target is wearing, it's unlikely to be effective in a high-pressure situation. "They're still not as effective as a gun.
Multiple and/or prolonged applications of the Taser may increase the risk of harm or injury to people. Use may result in secondary injuries such as minor skin irritation, blistering, bruising and lacerations. More substantial injuries may occur if a person falls onto hard surfaces.
What is the lifespan of a Taser? ›
TASER Cartridges also become less reliable after 5 years from the manufacturing date. For this reason, an expiration date is engraved on all TASER Cartridges, and Axon recommends they not be used in the field after the expiration date.
Why are TASERs so ineffective? ›
It's not always immediately clear why a Taser wasn't effective. Some people have tugged the metal probes from their bodies, rendering the device useless. Mental illness or drug use can also influence how a person reacts to the shock. Sometimes the fault lies with officers who don't use them properly.
How many times can you be safely tased? ›
The shock can be repeated countless times, so long as both probes remain attached to the subject. Both models contain a cartridge of compressed nitrogen that fire the probes, and which must be reloaded every time the officer wants to fire.
What does it feel like getting tased? ›
Your whole body is violently shaking. and all of your muscles are cramping. You hear them count down, and then it just throws you back. and you're just shaking and it's like, extremely painful.
Can tasers cause seizures? ›
Complications related to the brain or nervous system are rare, but do occur, including loss of consciousness, seizures, abnormal brain activity and confusion.
What is the lifespan of a TASER? ›
TASER Cartridges also become less reliable after 5 years from the manufacturing date. For this reason, an expiration date is engraved on all TASER Cartridges, and Axon recommends they not be used in the field after the expiration date.
What are the disadvantages of a TASER? ›
Use may be limited in some operational environments — e.g. near flammable agents or on heightened platforms such as balconies, roofs or on the top of stairs due to the risk of people falling after being tasered. Multiple and/or prolonged applications of the Taser may increase the risk of harm or injury to people.
Why are tasers so ineffective? ›
It's not always immediately clear why a Taser wasn't effective. Some people have tugged the metal probes from their bodies, rendering the device useless. Mental illness or drug use can also influence how a person reacts to the shock. Sometimes the fault lies with officers who don't use them properly.
Does the zap gun do damage a lethal company? ›
Absolutely, the Zap Gun in Lethal Company isn't just for show! It's actually a crucial tool for your survival. Not only does it damage those creepy-crawly monsters lurking around, but it's also super handy for manipulating the environment to your advantage. Think of it as your best buddy in those dark, abandoned moons.
