Late last month, Axon announced the launch of its next-generation conducted energy weapon (CED), the TASER 10 . There are some substantial differences between this new device and every other previous version, including a significantly increased range of 45 feet—compared to previous models that have a 25-foot maximum range—potentially providing increased space and time to de-escalate and resolve confrontations with non-compliant subjects.

Further, the new device can deploy up to 10 probes (compared with four probes previously), which the company says affords officers the opportunity for multiple repeated attempts to make a good connection to create neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). Axon says that by leveraging "smart technology" the new ECD delivers only the charge necessary to achieve NMI—regardless of how many probes make a connection, the device will only deliver current to the best four connections.

Interestingly, NMI is achieved despite a massive reduction in the voltage output of the device, down to approximately 1,000 volts, compared with roughly 50,000 volts commonly produced by previous generations of TASER devices.

Unsurprisingly, the new ECD integrates seamlessly with the company's cloud-based data storage service—Axon Evidence—in such a way to enable agencies to record (and later retrieve) information on user activity and event logs. Further, the device also features "smart holster" technology which—when paired with certified holsters—allows the TASER 10 to detect when it has been removed from a holster. This de-holstering event then emits a wireless signal to alert nearby body-worn and in-car cameras to begin recording (if they aren't already doing so).

Important Training Implications

Perhaps the most important difference—both from an operational and training standpoint—is the fact that the probes themselves are deployed one at a time. Anyone familiar with earlier TASER devices—and that is to say, anything predating this newest, just released version—is accustomed to the fact that a single trigger pull deploys both probes.

The TASER 10 requires two trigger pulls—one per probe—which will almost certainly have some training implications and necessitate serious retraining for most officers.

This begins with Axon's fundamental TASER 10 Training curriculum, which combines online eLearning segments, in-person classroom curriculum (including tabletop drills), as well as physical skill-building, stress-inoculation, and critical-decision-making drills.

Further, agencies that purchase new ECDs in conjunction with Axon's VR training platform can engage in simulated scenarios designed to increase physical proficiency such as body movement and weapons transitions, improve decision-making skills, as well as rehearse and refine verbal de-escalation techniques.

Pat Madden—TASER Senior Vice President—told POLICE , "There is always going to be a learning curve when transitioning from one technology to another. However, we are finding that with our evaluation partners, officers are finding the TASER 10 intuitive and easy to use."

Madden explained further, "For example, the X26P requires the user to effectively deploy two darts simultaneously, while the TASER 10 allows the user to deploy one probe at a time. The TASER 7 utilizes tilt select to switch between close range and stand-off cartridges, and with the TASER 10, officers can pick their own spread to achieve NMI."

Finally, the company's Master Instructor Schools (MIS)—hosted at a variety of agencies across the United States and around the world—have begun incorporating TASER 10 training into their curriculum.