ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 2003 MILL ROAD ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-4658 703-838-4636
MEDIA ADVISORY
OCTOBER 19, 2007 #07-050 1:00 P.M. BARTLETT
Alexandria Police Deploy TASER Electronic Control Devices
On Thursday, November 1, 2007, the Alexandria Police Department will launch a one year test of Electronic Control Devices (ECDs). These devices will serve as a new, less lethal tool in the Department’s commitment to protect the citizens of Alexandria.
Chief of Police David P. Baker said, “Evidence shows the ECD to be a very effective law enforcement tool. It provides officers with another less than lethal use of force option that is at least equal to, if not more effective than, those we currently possess.” Studies have shown that both suspect and officer injury rates have declined in areas where ECDs have been used. The City is one of the last jurisdictions in the Washington Metropolitan area to employ ECDs for use as a less-lethal tool. ECDs are currently in use in both Arlington and Fairfax Counties.
The brand and model of ECD chosen for this test is the TASER X26. TASER devices use proprietary technology to quickly incapacitate dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, citizens or themselves. TASER ECDs utilize compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to 35 feet. These probes are connected to the TASER system by insulated wire. An electrical signal is transmitted through the wires to where the probes make contact with the body or clothing, resulting in an immediate loss of the person’s neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse while allowing an rapid recovery once the cycle ceases. This effect is a state-of-the-art Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) technology that temporarily overrides the nervous system, taking over muscular control. This NMI technology temporarily debilitates even the toughest individuals with minimal risk of injury.
During the test period, 12 ECDs will be assigned to specially trained patrol officers for field use. They will undergo specialized training prior to the issue of the ECDs.