Less-lethal technology: research on conducted energy devices

The US National Institute of Justice, an agency of the US Department of Justice, has commissioned a new study to learn more about the effects of conducted energy devices, which are commonly called "stun guns." As the number of law enforcement agencies using stun guns has increased, the number of deaths reported to be associated with this less-lethal technology also has increased. NIJ has commissioned the study, titled "In-custody Deaths due to Conducted Energy Devices," to investigate whether the technology can contribute to or cause death and, if so, in what ways.

Other Current NIJ Research on Conducted Energy DevicesEffects of

TASER on Human Blood

Assessment of HEMI Devices in Trainees

Establishment of Interdisciplinary Working Group

Verifying Reported Effectiveness of Conducted Energy Devices in Reducing Deaths and

Injuries and a Review of Less-lethal Technology Operational Needs

Model Electric Current Through the Human Body From Less-lethal Conducted Energy Devices

Injuries Produced by Law Enforcement Use of Less-lethal Weapons: A Prospective Multicenter Trial

Enhancing Local and State Law Enforcement’s Understanding and Use of Emerging Technology

Human Effects Center of Excellence

Analysis of Airport Security Measures and the Role of Less-Lethal Weapons