Police and Security, Vol. 35 No. 1, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.59245/ps.35.1.5
Taser: Risks and Benefits
Karolina Kocurkova
orcid.org/0009-0009-2759-7162
; Faculty of Safety Engineering, VSB TUO, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Martin Hrinko
; Department of Security Studies, CEVRO Institute, Prague, Czech Republic
Abstract
The taser device (CEW), based on electric discharge, is one of the most controversial, legally used law enforcement tools ever, and its specific health risks to the affected subject have received much attention in the scientific and research literature. This paper aims to objectively evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of CEW by reviewing the literature. The SWOT analysis method was used to objectively assess the balance between the negative aspects and benefits of law enforcement, using Fuller's triangle as a paired assessment method to determine the individual weights of the identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The resulting strategy for its prospects, based on the SWOT approach, was evaluated as an offensive S-O strategy, focusing on opportunities and on developing and further improving technology to strengthen the tool's strengths. In general, CEWs can be considered a valuable enforcement tool, but they are not risk-free.
Keywords
taser; SWOT-analysis; risks; benefits
Hrčak ID:
344381
URI
Publication date:
20.3.2026.
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