When should an officer consider the discharge of a Taser?

The rationale behind considering the discharge of a Taser in situations of imminent violence is rooted in the principle of necessary force. The purpose of a Taser is to incapacitate a subject quickly to prevent harm to the officer, the suspect, or bystanders when faced with immediate threats. When a suspect poses a risk of violent behavior, the deployment of a Taser can effectively diffuse the situation with a non-lethal option, allowing law enforcement to regain control and potentially prevent escalation that may lead to physical confrontation or injury.

In contrast, discharging a Taser when the suspect is compliant would be inappropriate, as compliance suggests that there is no immediate threat requiring coercive measures. Additionally, using a Taser during routine patrols does not align with its intended use, as patrols typically involve monitoring rather than engaging with threats. Lastly, using a Taser to intimidate potential criminals misrepresents its purpose and could lead to misuse or abuse of force, undermining the ethical standards expected from law enforcement officers.