Click here to skip to main content.
scenic picture from Washington state
SUBJECTS › PUBLIC SAFETY › Taser Devices and Other Electro-shock Weapons
Updated 09/09

Taser Devices and Other Electro-Shock Weapons

Contents

About the Use of Taser Devices and Other Electro-Shock Weapons

This page provides general information about the use of tasers and stun guns by law enforcement personnel and lists Washington local government provisions governing the possession and use of these devices by persons other than law enforcement officers. 

Electro-shock weapons, commonly called tasers and stun guns, are considered less than lethal weapons. These are weapons designed primarily to temporarily disable or stop suspects without killing, thereby providing law enforcement and corrections personnel with an alternative to lethal force where appropriate. These weapons are “less lethal” in a literal sense because none can be guaranteed to avoid serious injury or death. Originally designed for military and civilian law enforcement use, they are also becoming popular as personal protection devices for civilians. Among the models being marketed as civilian personal protection devices are those shaped like flashlights and cell phones.

Several bills were introduced in the 2005 state legislature to regulate stun guns statewide, but they were not passed.   The 2005 legislature did enact SHB 1934 (Ch. 458, Laws of 2005) ( 37 KB), which established the "projectile stun gun study committee" to review the sale and use of projectile stun guns within Washington State and which added the specific crime of assault of a peace officer with a stun gun to third degree assault. The seriousness level for assault with a stun gun is raised to a level IV, equivalent to the seriousness level of assault in the second degree.  (See Final Bill Report for SHB 1934.)

And, the 2009 legislature amended RCW 9.41.280 to prohibit the possession of stun guns and electro-shock weapons on public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, and areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools.  Ch. 453, Laws of 2009 (ESSB 5263).

The use of force, including employment of tasers, by law enforcement that causes serious injury or death is being questioned by the public.  As a consequence, law enforcement agencies are reviewing their policies and procedures, and a number of studies are in process, including one commissioned by the National Institute of Justice.

Local governments are raising concerns about civilian possession and use of these stun gun devices.  Some Washington local governments have prohibited the possession and use of tasers, stun guns, and electronic devices.   Though there is potential for misuse of any weapon, there are ample reasons for favoring stun gun use as an alternative to firearms in some circumstances. Whether such weapons are allowed to be carried by civilians, and where they can be carried, is a policy issue. Most of the provisions restrict carrying stun guns into places where liquor is sold or into court rooms, though a few such as Port Angeles  make it a misdemeanor to assault, threaten, intimidate or harm another or to facilitate the commission of a crime with an electronic stun gun or other device designed to deliver an electronic charge.  The Bellingham City Council is considering an ordinance to prohibit the possession, sale, or use of tasers, stun guns and similar electronic or energy devices. 

What is a Taser Device?

Taser is the brand name for an electronic stun weapon that is designed to temporarily disable or stop individuals without killing, thereby providing law enforcement, corrections personnel, or private citizens with an alternative to lethal force where appropriate.

Use of Taser Devices by Law Enforcement Personnel

Model policies provide conditions for carrying and use of non lethal or less than lethal weapons.  Only department personnel who have completed the prescribed training and orientation are authorized to carry or use stun guns.  The Criminal Justice Training Commission sponsors training.

Washington Local Government Policies Regulating Stun Guns/Taser Devices - General

  • Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Section 9.10.040 - weapons prohibited in city hall, in the municipal court room, or on liquor sale premises.
  • Bellingham Municipal Code, Section 10.30.020 - prohibits the possession, sale, or use of tasers, stun guns, and similar electronic or energy devices.  
  • Burlington Municipal Code, Section 9.76.020 - prohibits the possession, sale, or use of tasers, stun guns, and similar electronic or energy devices.
  • Port Angeles Municipal Code, Section 9.42.030 - Stun Guns

    No person shall knowingly possess or have under his control, with the intent to assault, threaten, intimidate, or harm another or to facilitate the commission of a crime, any electronic stun gun or other device designed to deliver an electronic charge, which apparently is capable of producing bodily harm or incapacitation to any degree, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons, provided that this Section shall not apply to law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their duties.  Any stun gun or other device possessed in violation of this Section may be confiscated by the Port Angeles Police Department and forfeited to the City.  Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor (Ord. 2817 §18, 7/1/94; Ord 2447 §1, 6/16/87)

  • Pullman Municipal Code, Chapter 8.30 - Dangerous Weapons (prohibits discharge and possession and includes stun gun in the definition of "Electronic Devices" ).

Washington Local Governments  Prohibiting Tasers from Liquor Establishments

  • Federal Way Municipal Code Section 6.25.030 - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Chelan Municipal Code, Section 9.18.040 (141.6 KB) - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Des Moines Municipal Code Section 9.36.030 (176.6 KB) - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • East Wenatchee Municipal Code Section 9.20.040  - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Edmonds Municipal Code Section 5.24.040 - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Issaquah Municipal Code Section 9.10.040 - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Newcastle Municipal Code Section 9.05.710 - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises
  • Redmond Municipal Code Section 9.24.040 - Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises

Reports