Taser X26P - Manual (Page 25)

25 Chapter 5 Maintenance/Troubleshooting
What to Do Following ECD Use
Considerations for Handling Used Probes
Each agency will establish its own procedure for probe removal, collection, biohazards, evidence collection and
maintenance. Treat probes that have penetrated the body as contaminated needles (biohazard). Remember,
however, that the probes may also be valuable evidence.
If the probes must be removed from the subject, follow all department policies and procedures, including for
handling biohazards.
Below are suggested methods for probe removal.
• Grab the probe firmly and quickly pull it straight out. Do not twist the probe as the barbed tip may cause
additional injury.
• If the probes are not going to be collected and maintained for evidence, carefully place used probes
sharp-tip first into a sharps container, secure in place, and place in a secure location where no one will
accidentally touch the probes.
• Once the subject is restrained, prior to removing the probes, evaluate the need for medical attention as
you would with any other use-of-force incident.*
• Take photos of any injuries, place the photos into evidence.*
• Collect the expended cartridge, probes, and AFIDs and place them into evidence.*
* As directed by department policy. The TASER training materials provide additional information on forensic
evidence collection procedures. The probes, wires, AFIDs, and cartridge can yield important forensic evidence
if properly collected, maintained, and analyzed. Ensure that the ECD is downloaded and the downloaded logs
are collected per your agency’s policy.
Effects on Animals
The M26 and X26 ECDs can be an effective option for dealing with aggressive animals and have generally been
successful in most deployments. The X26P ECD uses similar technology, but does not yet have the same service
record as the previous models.
NOTE: If a probe deployment completed circuit is initiated and maintained, the aggressive animals are usually
incapacitated/stunned momentarily in M26 and X26 deployments, but recover quickly. The vast majority of the
animals quickly left the scene and broke the wires.
If deployed on a domestic animal, consider having animal control available to restrain the animal.