Nevada Taser Laws (3 Key Things to Know)

What is a Taser?

A Taser is a handheld device designed to incapacitate individuals by delivering a 50,000-volt electric shock [1.]. It works by firing two small darts, connected by thin wires, which can reach up to 11 meters (35 feet) and penetrate clothing to deliver the shock that temporarily disrupts the nervous system, causing short-term incapacitation.

Unlike firearms, Tasers use compressed nitrogen to launch the darts and can also function as stun guns when pressed directly against the target.

“The Taser was first developed in the mid-1970s by American inventor Jack Cover. Taser is an acronym for Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle (the Tom Swift books about an inventor of amazing gadgets were a childhood favorite of Cover) and is a brand name for the device, which is manufactured by Taser International.”

Initially introduced as a non-lethal alternative for law enforcement in the 1990s, the Taser has since become widely adopted, with over 15,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. utilizing the device by 2011.

How Effective are Stun Guns for Self-Defense?

Stun guns are widely recognized as effective non-lethal self-defense tools, often utilized by law enforcement agencies around the world [2.]. When deployed, they send an electric charge that overwhelms the target’s muscle control, temporarily immobilizing them and providing enough time for officers or victims to escape.

Leading stun gun manufacturer Axon claims a high effectiveness rate of 95% to 99.75% when used by police officers. However, some police departments in major cities have reported that these effectiveness rates might be overstated, as real-world conditions can vary significantly from controlled tests.

The effectiveness of stun guns can be unpredictable and depends on various factors, including the target’s physical condition, any substances they may have ingested, and other situational elements. For instance, using a stun gun on someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not incapacitate them as expected and could even escalate the danger.

Additionally, stun guns have a limited range, and their impact may be reduced if facing multiple attackers or aggressive animals.

“It’s essential for individuals considering acquiring a stun gun for self-defense purposes to understand that although they may prove to be very effective in certain circumstances, they still have their limits and cannot guarantee total protection against an attacker. When choosing one for yourself or your loved ones as part of your self-defense strategy, it’s important to seek recommendations from authoritative sources and ask professionals for guidance on its suitability and proper usage.”

3 Important Things to Know About Taser Laws in Nevada

1. Legal Ownership and Carrying: In Nevada, civilians can legally own and carry a Taser or stun gun without needing a permit, provided they are not prohibited from possessing firearms.
2. Restricted Areas: Tasers are prohibited in certain locations, such as schools, government buildings, and airports. Carrying a Taser in these restricted areas can lead to legal consequences.
3. Use of Force Laws: While Tasers are legal, their use must align with Nevada’s self-defense laws. Misuse of a Taser, such as using it in an assault or battery, can result in criminal charges.

Statistical Overview of Deaths and Injuries Related to Taser Use

• Increase in Taser-Related Deaths: In the U.S., Taser-related deaths rose from 180 reported cases in 2006 to over 1,000 by 2019, though the direct cause of death in these instances is often disputed.
• Injury Statistics: A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, involving nearly 1,000 individuals subjected to Taser use, found that 99.7% experienced no significant injuries, with only 0.3% requiring hospital admission due to severe injuries. However, 21.9% of Taser deployments involved anterior probe impacts that could affect the heart.
• Amnesty International Report: According to Amnesty International, 277 people in the U.S. died after being shocked by Tasers between June 2001 and October 2007, with around 80% of those affected being unarmed. This statistic has raised concerns about the proportionality of force used in Taser deployments.

Source: Wikipedia [3.]

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References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/TASER
2. https://www.tbotech.com/stun-gun-statistics.htm?srsltid=AfmBOop9i18tuO42SKeEZPEuI0u4xjxVmZVIJhzUgwXern6No1MKGUwu
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taser_safety_issues