Drive-stun capability is available with or without a TASER cartridge installed. To apply a drive-stun, place the safety in the up (ARMED) position and pull the trigger. The drive-stun mode is not designed to cause NMI and generally becomes primarily a pain compliance option. Probe deployment is usually considered more desirable if NMI is the desired objective, even at close range. Some of the advantages of probe deployment include:
- Drive-stun is only effective while the CEW is in contact with the subject or when pushed against the subject’s clothing. As soon as the CEW is moved away, the energy being delivered to the subject stops. Deploying the probes allows the user to separate from the subject while maintaining control.
- Due to automatic reflex actions, most subjects will struggle to separate from the CEW. Each time the CEW comes back in contact with the subject, another set of marks may be visible on the subject’s skin. Using the probes allows for one point of discharge.
- If the probes are deployed, even at very close range, the user may drive-stun to another portion of the body that is further away from the probes, thereby increasing the possibility of inducing incapacitation.
If the drive-stun is not effective, evaluate the location of the drive-stun, consider an additional cycle to a different pressure point, or consider alternative force options in accordance with your agency's policies. When using the drive-stun, push (drive) the front of the X26P CEW firmly against the body of the subject. Simply “touching” the X26P CEW against the subject is not sufficient. The subject is likely to recoil and try to get away from the CEW. It is necessary to aggressively drive the front of the CEW into the subject for maximum effect.