WHAT IF I MISS?

The laser sight is an extremely valuable aid for proper aiming. However, there is always the chance for a missed shot, especially in a dynamic, stressful situation and you must be prepared to take alternative actions to protect yourself in case of a missed shot or reduced effectiveness.

"SILENCE IS GOLDEN"

The TASER device’s electrical current is relatively quiet in actual human use. Some practice targets are loud because the energy is arcing in the air. If electrical current is loud during field deployment and the subject is not reacting as expected, the current may be shorting out and may not be effective. Deploy a second cartridge or consider other options in this situation.

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF REDUCED OR NO EFFECTIVENESS

1. Loose or Thick Clothing. The current from the ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L is capable of penetrating approximately 2 cumulative inches of clothing, or one inch of clothing per probe.
2. Miss or Single Dart Hit. The current must pass between the probes. If one probe misses, a second cartridge should be deployed if practical. Also, using the M18/M18L in the drive-stun mode as described below will also complete the circuit between the single probe and the device electrode.
3. Low Nerve or Muscle Mass. If the probes impact in an area where there is very little muscle mass (e.g., the side of the rib cage), the effectiveness can be significantly diminished.
4. Limited Probe Spread. Probe spreads of less than 4 inches (including drive-stun) result in little or no effect from NMI and become primarily a pain compliance option. If a close range deployment resulting in limited probe spread does not incapacitate the subject, apply a drive-stun, as described below, to a point away from the probes. This will effectively widen the contact area and can achieve NMI.
5. Wires Break. If a wire breaks (e.g. during a struggle), the current will not flow to the probes. Drive-stun is still available.