Enhancing Officer Safety: Introducing the Taser 10 in the NYPD
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is set to enhance the distance between officers and suspects by introducing the Taser 10, a new model manufactured by Axon. This upgraded version extends the range at which an officer can deploy a conducted energy weapon, reaching up to 45 feet, which is nearly four times the effective range of the current Taser 7 model. The Taser 10 can carry up to 10 probes, allowing for multiple attempts if the initial shot misses its target. It operates at a lower voltage of around 1,000 volts and does not include a "drive-stun" mode that involves direct contact with a person's body.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted that the introduction of the Taser 10 is a response to the real-world challenges officers have encountered. The goal is to provide officers with an additional option in high-risk encounters to de-escalate situations, create space, and reduce the likelihood of using deadly force. The upgraded model offers officers the ability to act from a greater distance, with more precision, and more opportunities to resolve situations before they escalate to lethal force. The NYPD initiated a pilot program for the Taser 10 in December and plans for a wider rollout in the upcoming spring, without disclosing pricing details.
However, not everyone views the extended range and capacity of the Taser 10 as a straightforward improvement. The Children's Rights Alliance for England has expressed concerns about the impact of longer-range energy weapons on children and has called for a formal Child Rights Impact Assessment before broader deployment of similar models. The Omega Research Foundation has also raised questions about the limited independent data on the device's real-world safety, especially considering its 10-shot capacity. The UN Committee Against Torture has previously emphasized that Tasers should only be used as a last resort in situations where lethal force might otherwise be considered.
Commissioner Tisch has positioned this shift as part of a broader modernization initiative, emphasizing that providing officers with additional non-lethal tools can reduce the likelihood of shootings. She stated that the goal is to work smarter, not harder, and to strive for continuous improvement. The introduction of the Taser 10 aligns with the department's commitment to enhancing officer safety and improving outcomes in high-risk encounters.