Wound ballistic evaluation of the TASER® XREP ammunition

Abstract

The Taser® eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP®) is a wireless conducted electrical weapon (CEW) designed to incapacitate a person from a larger distance. The aim of this study was to analyze the ballistic injury potential of the XREP. Twenty rounds were fired from the Taser®X12 TM shotgun into ballistic soap covered with artificial skin and clothing at different shooting distances (1-25 m). One shot was fired at pig skin at a shooting distance of 10 m. The average projectile velocity was 67.0 m/s. The kinetic energy levels on impact varied from 28-52 J. Depending on the intermediate target, the projectiles penetrated up to 4.2 cm into the ballistic soap. On impact the nose assembly did not separate from the chassis, and no electrical activation was registered. Upon impact, a skin penetration of the XREP cannot be excluded. However, it is very unlikely at shooting distances of 10 m or more. Clothing and a high elasticity limit of the target body area can significantly reduce the penetration risk on impact.

Animal experimentation in forensic sciences: How far have we come?

“…On the other hand, applying alternative methods rather than using animals has provided, in the forensic field, important and reproducible results, as presented in Table 3 [74,[77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88]. And for many less elaborate projects, animals who have died from other causes can be used.…”

Exposures to Conducted Electrical Weapons (IncludingTASER®Devices): How Many and for How Long are Acceptable?

“…Physical wounds resulting from CEW exposures are managed essentially on an outpatient basis . Upon impact, penetration of the skin by a specific type of CEW projectile is unlikely at long shooting distances . The topic of damage due to penetration of body tissue by CEW darts (unrelated to the electrical parameters of the devices) will not be discussed in detail in the current review.…”

Investigation of Deaths Temporally Associated with Law Enforcement Apprehension

“…The handgun-like models have both probe deployment and stun gun (drive stun) modes. In addition, a self-contained untethered long range (100 feet) round, known as the eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP), designed to be deployed from a shotgun is available (80, 81).…”

“…A set of closely spaced prong marks accompanied by abrasion and contusion are typically the result of being struck by an XREP projectile (80, 81). Examination of a person who has been the subject of ECD application includes identifying marks caused by the use of a device in a stun gun (drive stun) and/or probe deployment mode.…”