New security forces weapon shockingly effective

  • Published
  • By Airman Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  When police officers find themselves in situations where a perpetrator isn't life threatening, but needs to be subdued by more than just physical strength, another option is now available. 

Classes have begun for Warren patrol officers to train them on the proper use of the Advanced Taser gun, a non-lethal weapon that incapacitates anyone who is shot by it. 

"The class is fun," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Gallagher, 90th Security Support Squadron. "I have a blast going to it and teaching it. The Taser is new and exciting technology." 

The classes include lessons on the anatomy of the weapon, its role in today's police force, moral ethics on weapon usage, real world simulations and the opportunity to feel what being tased feels like. The third class to be instructed here was held August 21. 

"I really liked the class," said Airman 1st Class Kevin King, 90th Security Forces Squadron. "It went over a lot of life-like scenarios to use." 

When used correctly, the weapon will disable even the most aggressive subjects by neuromuscular incapacitation. In most cases, subjects loose all of their bodies' command and control functions. The Tasers issued to the 90th SFG deliver a 50,000 volt shock which may seem extreme, but thousands of tests have been done to conclude the weapon is safe in humans. Even though the voltage is high, the amperage of the gun is low at .0036 amps. It takes .03 amps to affect breathing or heart patterns. 

"Statistics show the weapon is extremely safe," Sergeant Gallagher said. "The greatest risk with Tasers is when people fall after getting tased." 

When the Taser is fired, two small probes launch from a cartridge attached to the tip of the gun by a release of nitrogen, and remain connected to the gun by thin wires in order to deliver and retain a safe, yet effective shock. The probes hook themselves in the recipient's body. The feeling of being tased is unlike any normal pain; the pain pulses though the body and feels as if the body's core is on fire and all muscles are stiff and stretched to their limits. 

"Being tased feels like an uncontrollable shocking pulse," said Senior Airman Sarah Rocchio, 90th SFS. "It's a very sharp jolt." 

Airmen are not required to feel the effects of a taser shock, but are encouraged to in case they have to use it and accidentally get shocked. 

"The risk of officers getting tased while apprehending someone is very low," Sergeant Gallagher said. "If they get tased too, it's not the full effect and they don't get incapacitated; they will only get bit by the Taser." 

Many police forces around the country are moving towards the use of non-lethal weapons for their safety and for the safety of others. 

"It's excellent for officers to have something other than their gun," Sergeant Gallagher said. "We have been without an intermediate level of force here. What the weapon is giving us is an opportunity to de-escalate a situation without pulling out our gun." 

Instances when the Taser gun is necessary include subduing perpetrators resisting arrest, uncooperative drivers suspected of driving under the influence, domestic disturbances, fights, etc. 

"There has been a big push for Tasers nationwide," Sergeant Gallagher said. "Just about every police department in the country uses them. It's only natural for the Air Force to follow suit." 

Sergeant Gallagher said the Air Force is saving lives by using the Taser. 

"There are a lot of situations that we could deescalate a situation with the Taser that would normally take a handgun," Sergeant Gallagher said. "It's always better to send everyone home alive then it is to send them home shot."