- Loose or Thick Clothing. If the probes lodge in clothing and are too far away from the subject, CEW effectiveness may be reduced.
- Miss or Single Probe Hit. The electrical current must pass between a positive probe and a negative one (top and bottom probe). If one probe misses, the CEW will not be effective.
- 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 may be reduced.
- Limited Probe Spread. Probe spreads of less than 12 inches (30 cm) may result in reduced CEW effectiveness.
- Wires Break. If a wire breaks (e.g., during a struggle), the current will not flow to the probes and the CEW will not be effective.
In any of the above scenarios, a second cartridge may be deployed or a drive-stun follow up may be used if practical, justified, and within your agency’s policy.
Do not become over-dependent on the TASER CEW. No force option, including CEWs, is 100% effective in every situation. Do not deploy the CEW without following your department policies and procedures.