On Tuesday, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) gave a live preview to local media of the new TASER 10 de-escalation tool that the department will soon begin training and issuing to SDPD officers.

SDPD is committed to using de-escalation to peacefully resolve potentially dangerous situations. For the rare occasions when an officer needs to use force, the SDPD will be upgrading to the latest TASER 10 Energy Weapon by Axon Enterprise Inc.

The TASER 10 uses low levels of pulsed electrical current to temporarily alter subject mobility by inducing neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). Neuromuscular incapacitation works by sending a signal to muscles, causing them to contract, similar to off-the-shelf muscle stimulators used in rehab and therapy.

The pulsed current delivered is extremely low, far below the level needed to cause physical damage to the body, and it enables the officer to bring the situation to a resolution before further harm can be done to themselves or others.

Currently, SDPD officers carry the X-26P model TASER, which has a range of 21 feet. When the X-26P is fired, two probes fire at the same time at different angles. To be effective, the probes must connect with the person and produce a charge. Officers must mentally calculate the distance and spread of the two probes while taking into account a person’s movements and clothing.

The TASER 10 offers more opportunities with its 10-probe technology to stop a threat without reloading and has a range of up to 45 feet. The first probe discharges without electrical output, while the second probe will begin the charge to achieve NMI.

If the initial probes do not achieve effective NMI, subsequent probes provide additional chances to do so. TASER 10 sounds a unique noise to alert the officer that a connection has been made.

SDPD joins a list of agencies that have upgraded to the new device since its launch in July 2023, including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and the Orange County Sheriff's Department, among others. SDPD will be the first in San Diego County to acquire the device.