New Jersey approves two Tasers under stricter safety regulations

Following the increasingly controversial use of Tasers in which several individuals died after being stunned, New Jersey has approvedof two new Taser models that comply with new safety standards.

The Taser X26 and X2 are the only two electronic stun devices that meet the more stringent regulations set forth by the New Jersey Attorney General regarding the use of stun guns in the state.

Under the new policy, electronic stun weapons must make a date and time stamped digital video recording of every instance the device is discharged. In addition all data and video must be stored in a way that only supervisory personnel can access them.

“I made it a priority to provide police officers in New Jersey, for the first time, with the realistic option of using stun guns as an alternative to deadly force,” said New Jersey attorney general Paula Dow. “Today I am announcing that these important tools are now available for purchase by police departments to help officers save lives. We are also ready to roll out mandatory training on how to use these devices responsibly and effectively.”

So far only the Taser models X26 and X2 have been approved for purchase by state police departments and the new policy restricts their use to situations where officers need to prevent a suspect from causing death or serious bodily injury to an officer, to another person, or to himself or herself. Law enforcement officers may not use them against a person who is only offering passive resistance to commands.

Additional devices that meet the Attorney General’s requirements may be submitted for testing and review for the authorized list.