Exh 8FAGENDAITE\IN8F
DECEMBER ]0, 2001
City of Atlantic Beach
City Commission ]4teeting
Statl'Report
Agenda Item: Purchase of Advanced Tasers
Date_ Novemhet,30, 2
Submitted by: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police/DPS
Background:
For many years, police departments have sought non-lethal devices that would allow
officers to subdue violent, intoxicated or drugged suspects. When officers are confronted
with such suspects, there is an increased risk of injury to the officers and the suspects.
A variety of devices have been developed in the past including, Mace, OC Spray, batons,
PR-24 batons, Nunchukus, Kubatons, and others vrith the intention of providing less-
than-lethal force alternatives for the police. Officers have received training in defensive
tactics to hel p minimize the danger to the oflcers and suspects. However, virtually none
of these devices or techniques is effective when dealing with extremely violent,
intoxicated or drugged offenders. All too often, officers or suspects are injured or killed.
Advancements in technology have provided a relatively new tool for use by police
agencies. Specifically, the DGG M-26 Advanced Taser has been developed, tested, and
utilized by police agencies successfully. This device effectively incapacitates offenders,
regardless of their intoxication or state of mind. Its use can significantly reduce the
danger to suspects and police officers in arrest situations.
RI-26 Advance Taser:
The Advanced Taser is a device that uses a powerful 2ti-Watt electrical signal to
temporarily override the central nervous system and directly control skeletal muscles.
This causes an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue, allowing the Advance
Taser to physically debilitate a target regazdless of pain tolerance or mental focus. The
device fires out two (2) probes up to a maximum distance of 21', which attach to the
suspect or his/her clothing.
The Advanced Taser is classified as Less Than Lethal Force technology and equipment.
By definition, these devices are not likely to result in death or serious physical injury.
The Advance Taser is deployed as an additional law enforcement tool, and it is not
intended to replace firearms or self-defense techniques. The Advanced Taser may be
used to control a dangerous or violent suspect when deadly force does not appear to be
justified and/or necessary; or attempts to subdue the suspect by other conventional tactics
have been, or will likely be ineffective in the situation at hand; or there is reasonable
AGEtiDA ITEM #8F
DECE~I[tER 10, 2001
expectation that it will be unsafe for officers to approach within the contact range of the
subject.
The M-26 Advanced Taser has a record storage function where it stores the time and date
when it is fired. This data provides a complete and accurate documentation on each
firing, These records provide invaluable information in the event of an allegation of the
misuse of the device.
Policy has been drafted to keep the use of tfie Advanced Taser restricted to active
resistance by criminal offenders. The policy also includes reporting requirements,
training certifications, inspections, and reviews of each and every use of an Advanced
Taser.
ARer examining the device, speaking with other agencies currently using the device, and ~
experiencing its effects fvst-hand, it is my opinion that the issuance of the Advanced
Taser to all Atlantic Beach Police Officers will enhance the safety of the public and the
police officers.
Additional information is available for officials seeking more details. Taser.com is a
good web site on the Internet to learn more about these devices.
Budget:
The funding for these devices was approved in the 2001-02 Budget under Account 610-
0000-529-64.00 at a total of 528,000. This account is funded with non-tax revenues
including fines and forfeitures in the Police Department. The devices are 5499 each
This device is a sole source item. It will be purchased from DGG Taser.
Recommendations: We recommend the approval to purchase M-26 Advance Tasers for
each officer in the Police Department, including spare lasers, holsters, cartridges, and
other related equipment.
Attachments: Price List
General Information
Most Frequently Asked Regarding the M-26
Reviewed by City bianager:
Item Number:
AGENDA ITEM #8F
DECEMBER 10, 2001
DGG TASER
8384 E KNOTTS LANDING DRIVE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244
PHONE (904) 771-6105 * FAX (904) 771-3094
DGGTA$ER^a"AOL.COhi
NOVEMBER 2001
POLICE PRICE PROGRAM
PROPRIETARY LYFOR.HATION
~1I-26 ADVANCED TASER WITH LASER SIGHT & DATAPORT $499.00
8 SL3PER HIGH CAPACITY HICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES,-CHARGER,
2H°CARTRmGE CLIP, TARGET, AND SHIPPING INCLUDED, ~ ~~
*ALSO REPLACEMENT UNITS MAILED WITHIN 24 HOURS!
CARTRIDGES:
CASE OF 2t F'F. POLICE CARTRIDGES (28 PACK} 17.85EA $499.80
CASE OF 15 FT. TRAINING CARTRIDGES (28 PACK) 15.97EA $447.16
(IS FT. CARTRIDGES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR TRAINING)
HOLSTERS:
X350-M26: HIGHRIDE IN ADVANTAGE PLUS NYLON $89.00
X360-M26. DETACHABLE. VERSION OF TH1; ABOVE $99.00
X351-M26: HIGH RIDE WITH BUILT IN CARTRIDGE HOLDER
IN NYLON, "BY FAR OUR MOST POPULAR" $89.00
X361-MZb:DETACIIABLE VERSION OF TIIEABOVE $94.00
IvIOX: THIGH HOLSTER WITH BUILT-IN CARTRIDGE HOLDER $99.00
•••PATENT LEATHER, BASKET WEAVE, AND OTHERS
AVAILABLEFOR ADDITIONAL.$1Q00*'**
ACCESSORIES:
DATAPORT DOWNLOAD SOF'T'WARE BrAI?APTER $149.95
(ONLY ONE NEEDED FOR EACH DEPARTMF,Nl)
TRAINING:
INSTREICTORCERTIFICf1TIONISSI95.9B-PEROFFICER. THE HOSTING
DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAVING A iyIINIMllM OF 5
OFFICERS PRESENT FOR TRAINING.
*PRICES AND WARRANTY DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING COSTS
* 19.95 SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES FOR BROKEN GUNS
AGENDA 1TE~1 #SF
DECE\IBER ]0, 2001
HELLO YOU HAVE NST MET
RUSSEL STENDER AND MITCHELL GRAY OF DGG TASER
FIRST, LET ME THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIIv1E TO LET US
DEMONSTRATE THIS AWSOME TOOL.
SECOND, ALLOW ME TO RECAP THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL OTHER
LESS-LETHAL WEAPONS, AND WHY THE M-26 IS THE OBVIOUS
CHOICE WHEN OFFICER SAFTY IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY!.
• ALL OTHER LESS LETHALS WORK ON PAIN COMPLIANCE.
• PAIN TOLERENCE IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE.
THE M-26 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PAIN TOLERENCE
K
THE M-26
1) SAFELY OVERRIDES THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, PROVIDING OVER
99% INCAPACITATION ALMOST IIvL~iEDIATELY.
A) FITS ON YOUR FORCE CONTINUUM IiE ,OW PEPPER SPRAY.
2) CAN STOP THE THREAT UP TO 21 FEET AWAY.
3) SS MILLION PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE INCLUDED AT NO CHARGE
4) EQUIPPED WITH A LASER SIGHT, DATA PORT, BATTERIES AND NO
QUESTIONS ASKED LIFETIME WARRANTY.
S) GIVE YOUR OFFICERS THE CONFIDENCE TO BRING DOWN THE THREAT
REGARDLESS OF SIZE, MENTAL FOCUS OR DRUG IIviF'AIRIvtENT.
PLEASE SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE TECHNOLOGY
ADVANCES MADE AND WITNESS THE SPEED OF
INCAPACITATION LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN
YOUR OFFICERS DESERVE A TOOL THAT WILL PROTECT THEM,
AND THE PEOPLE THEY ARE PAID TO PROTECT AND SERVE.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALLUS ANYTIIvIE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
OR TO FIND OUT ABOUT TRAINING IN YOUR AREA,
OR A DEMONSTRATION!
30 DAY T&E PROGRAM
RUSSEL STENDER OR MITCHELL GRAY
DGG TASER .
904-771-6105 FAX 904-771-3094
DGGTASER c~AOL.COM .
AGENDA ITEAi #8F
DECEMBER 10, 2001
DGG TASER
8384 E KNOTTS LANDING DRIVE*JACI:SONVU.LE, FL 32244
PHONE (904) 771-6105 FAX (904) 771 X094
MOST FREQUENTLY ASi:ED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE M-26
Q: Does the M-26 affect the heart?
A: NO. In tests performed at the University of Missouri, two leading experts
in cardiac safety found that the M-26 caused no interference with the heart
rhythms-even when the subjects were given drugs to make the heart more
susceptible to electrical stimulation.
Q: Does it effect Pacemakers?
A: NO. Because the designs of modern pacemakers withstand the electrical
defibrillators several hundred times stronger than TASER pulses from the M-26.
Q: Do the probes have to touch the skin to be effective?
A: NO. The T-Wave from the M-26 can penetrate up to 2 '/s inches of clothing,
therefore skin penetration is not necessary.
Q: Do both probes have to hit the target to be effective?
A: YES However, by being shaped like a handgun makes for ease of use and a
laser sighting system allows for pinpoint accuracy, virtually guaranteeing a hit.
Q: How can departments track officer use of the M-26?
A: The M-26 comes with a data port that will allow the individual department to
download the day, date and time the weapon was discharged. This will protect
the officer and department from any unfounded allegations.
Q: Can a threat be shot with more than one M-26 at the same time?
A: YES. The threat would only receive 26 watts of energy because the T-Wave is
not cumulative.
Q: Will the M-26 be effective if a threat is under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
A: YES. Because it does not work by pain compliance but by overriding the
central nervous system, thus rendering the threat incapacitated.