By Terry Fleck

Since the implementation of the TASER X26, there have been questions about the usage of the TASER X26 and its potential effect on a police canine, if deployed on a suspect in conjunction with the dog. The results here reflect tests conducted with two retired police service dogs in several scenarios pertaining to deployment of a TASER X26:

1. TASER X26 Spark Test:
   The dogs were exposed to the distraction of the X26 spark test.
   
   RESULTS: Neither dog was distracted after the initial spark test.
   
   
2. TASER Model #44205 TASER Simulation Cartridge:
   The dogs were exposed to the distraction of the TASER Simulation Cartridge. The cartridge’s nonconductive simulation probes were shot into the decoy, which was protected by various decoy protective equipment.
   
   RESULTS: Neither dog was distracted after the initial deployment by the probes or the two 21-foot wires.
   
   
3. TASER Model #85000 Demonstration Cartridge:
   The dogs were exposed to the shot carried through the TASER #85000 Demonstration Cartridge. This cartridge shoots the X26 Shaped Pulse Technology via two alligator clips attached to two 21-foot wires. The alligator clips were attached to the various decoy protective equipment. The dogs bit the decoy in four locations on the protective equipment:
   
   A. Outside the probes;
   B. Between the probes;
   C. Outside the probes, coupled with a drive stun on the decoy;
   D. Between the probes, coupled with a drive stun on the decoy.
   
   RESULTS: Neither dog seemed to be affected by a five-second cycle. There was no change of behavior in the dogs. The bite strength on the decoy protective equipment remained the same before, during, and after a five-second cycle. The dogs were exposed to a total of four five-second cycles.
   
   
4. TASER Model #44200 TASER Standard Air Cartridge:
   The dogs were exposed to the X26 Shaped Pulse Technology shot using the standard 21-foot range probes (silver blast doors), #44200 Standard Air Cartridge, into the various decoy protective equipment. The dogs bit the decoy on the protective equipment, in the same four locations:
   
   A. Outside the probes;
   B. Between the probes;
   C. Outside the probes, coupled with a drive stun on the decoy;
   D. Between the probes, coupled with a drive stun on the decoy.
   
   RESULTS: Neither dog seemed to be affected by a five-second cycle. There was no change of behavior in the dogs. The bite strength on the decoy protective equipment remained the same before, during, and after a five-second cycle. The dogs were exposed to a total of four five-second cycles.

TASER International has at least one video of a non-police dog being shot with a TASER device. The dog was definitively affected by the TASER’s five-second cycle. Due to animal rights concerns, no retired police service dog was shot by a TASER x26.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
It appears through this study that a police dog can bite a suspect, or at least a decoy, after the TASER X26 has already been deployed. The dogs were not visibly affected, nor did the bite diminish, outside the probes; between the probes placement; outside the probes, with a drive stun on the decoy; or between the probes, with a drive stun on the decoy.

It appears the only potential concern with using both a TASER X26 and a police service dog on a suspect is inadvertently shooting the dog with the TASER device. Therefore, the TASER probes should be on the suspect BEFORE a police service dog is applied to prevent accidental shooting of the dog. Once the dog is on the bite, the TASER X26 may be applied additionally in a drive stun mode. The drive stun did not affect the dogs in this study.

DECOY SAFETY NOTICE:
It should be noted that the decoy was unaffected by the TASER Shaped Pulse Technology both in the visible sleeve and bite suit. The decoy was affected by the TASER Shaped Pulse Technology while in the concealed sleeve. The decoy experienced full conductivity from the TASER, both with the probes and drive stun. As departmental policies vary regarding exposure to the TASER technology while in training, your agency guidelines should be followed.

Supplemental Report of the Effects of the TASER X26 on Police Service Dogs

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