Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 01/01/2025
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
___________________________________________________________
309 - Conduct ed Energy Weapons (CEW) Guidelines ( TASER ) 1 POLICY 309 CONDUCTE D ENERGY WEAPONS (CEW) GUIDELINES
309.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW ) device is intended to control a violent or potentially
violent individual without causing serious injury. It is anticipated that the appropriate use of such a
device will result in fewer serious injuries to officers and suspects.
309.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 1.3.1, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6, 1.3.9, 1.3.10,
1.3.11 , 4.1.4 , 4.1.5 , 4.3.1 , 4.3.3 , 16.1.6 , 16.3.6
This policy pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
309.2 POLICY
Personnel who have completed Department approved training may be issued a CEW device for
use during their current assignment. Personnel leaving a particular assignment may be expected
to return their issued device to the Department’s inventory.
Officers shall only use CEW device and cartridges that have been issued by the Department .
Uniformed officers who have been issued the CEW device shall wear the device in an approved
holster on their person. Non -uniformed officers may secure the CEW device in the driver’s
compartment of their vehicle.
a) When the CEW device is carried as a part of a uniformed officer’s equipment, the CEW
device shall be carried on the side opposite from the duty weapon ; CEW holsters shall be
worn in a traditional configuration or in a cross -draw manner.
b) If the CEW device is drawn weak handed , it should be transitioned to strong hand prior to
being activated;
c) All CEW devices shall be clearly and distinctly marked to differentiate them from the duty
weapon and any other device ;
d) Whenever practicable , officers should carry a total of two or more CEW device cartridges
on their person while carrying the CEW device ;
e) Officers shall be responsible for ensuring that their issued CEW device is properly
maintained and in good working order at all times ;
f) Officers should never hold both a firearm and the CEW device at the same time .
309.3 VERBAL AND VISUAL WARNINGS
A verbal warning of the intended use of the CEW device should precede its application, unless it
would otherwise endanger the safety of officers or when it is not practicable due to the
circumstances. The purpose of the warning is for the following:
a) Provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply ;
b) Provide other officers and individuals with warning that a CEW device may be deployed .
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 01/01/2025
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
___________________________________________________________
309 - Conduct ed Energy Weapons (CEW) Guidelines ( TASER ) 2
If, after a verbal warning, an individual is unwilling to voluntarily comply with an officer’s lawful
orders and it appears both reasonable and practical under the circumstances, the officer may, but
is not required to display the Warning A rc in a further attempt to gain compliance prior to the
application of the CEW device (Taser 7) . The aiming laser (s) should never be intentionally
directed into the eyes of another as it may permanently impair his/her vision.
The fact that a verbal and/or other warning was given , or reasons it was not given , shall be
documented in any related reports.
309.4 USE OF THE CEW DEVICE
As with any law enforcement equipment, the CEW device has limitations and restrictions
requiring consideration before its use. The CEW device should only be used when its operator
can safely approach the subject within the effective range of the CEW device. Although the CEW
device is generally effective in controlling most individuals, officers should be alert to the potential
for failure and be prepared with other options. The cartridges of the Taser 7 should be configured
in such a way that the 3.5-degree stand -off cartridge and the 12-degree stand -off are properly
loaded. The 12 -degree stand -off cartridge should be loaded in the left bay of the Taser 7. The
3.5-degree stand -off cartridge should be loaded in the right bay of the Taser 7.
309.4.1 FACTORS TO DETERMINE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE
The application of the CEW device is likely to cause intense, but momentary, pain , as well as
varying levels of neuromuscular incapacitation . As such, officers should carefully consider and
balance the totality of circumstances available prior to using the CEW device including, but not
limited to, the following factors:
a) The conduct of the individual being confronted (as reasonably perceived by the officer at
the time);
b) Officer