Taser

In the U.S., many law enforcement and security forces (like police, corrections officers, and military police) are exposed to a Taser as part of their training. The practice is sometimes called “voluntary exposure” or “familiarization.” Here’s why it’s done:

1. Understanding the Effects Firsthand

Officers who may use a Taser in the field are asked to experience what it feels like. This helps them understand:

The level of pain and incapacitation it causes.

The fact that the effects are temporary (usually ending once the current stops).

The safety profile—that it is painful but not typically harmful when applied correctly.

2. Building Empathy and Judgment

Experiencing a Taser makes officers more mindful of when and how to use it. They’re less likely to misuse it casually once they know the real intensity of the effect. This helps promote restraint and responsible deployment.

3. Confidence in the Tool

Feeling the Taser themselves can reassure trainees that it is non-lethal when applied properly, which can reduce hesitation in high-stress situations where quick, decisive action is required.

4. Training for Control and Recovery

When security personnel are tased in training, safety teams are present. This lets officers see how the body responds and how fast recovery happens, which is important for aftercare procedures when they tase someone in the field.

5. Team Bonding and Trust

In some academies, going through the experience together builds camaraderie and trust within the unit, since it’s a shared hardship.

That said, not every agency requires live exposure. Some organizations have moved away from mandatory tasing, citing safety and liability concerns, and instead use demonstrations with volunteers or rely on observation rather than direct exposure.