Applying handcuffs to a subject who is experiencing a Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) discharge is known as “cuffing under power.” This approach (instead of waiting for the NMI discharge to end before handcuffing the subject) can improve safety to officers and subjects. When the subjects are under the NMI affect, their ability to injure themselves or others is reduced. Also, the sooner officers restrain the subject, the need for additional CEW use can be reduced.
CEW Smart Use Considerations
Follow the CEW targeting guidelines when feasible. Avoid the chest. If you can, split the beltline.
You have a 5-second window of opportunity to restrain the subject and cuff under power.
As with other CEW deployments, you need to be able to justify every CEW trigger pull or five seconds of discharge under the specific circumstances presented.
Avoid touching the subject between the probes.
Video
This on-officer camera shows a response to a subject armed with a knife. Note that several other officers were available for backup. An officer deployed a TASER CEW to the subject’s back, where the largest muscle groups are located. The subject was controlled and cuffed under power.