Why it's called a Taser and other facts

How does a Taser work?

A Taser is an electroshock weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles. Its manufacturer, Taser International, calls the effects "neuromuscular incapacitation." The Taser fires two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductive wire as they are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges similar to some air gun or paintball marker propellants. The air cartridge contains a pair of electrodes and propellant for a single shot and is replaced after each use. Most subjects who have been Tased once will comply to avoid a second jolt.

What does it feel like to be Tased?

Someone struck by a Taser experiences stimulation of his or her sensory nerves and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contraction. Here's two quotes from experts:

"It is the most profound pain I have ever felt. You get total compliance because they don't want that pain again," a firearms consultant told the Associated Press in August 2003

What does a taser feel like? Police officers who underwent 1.5 second jolts as part of their training said, "Anyone who has experienced it will remember it forever... You don't want to do this." (The Olympian, October 14, 2002). The normal Taser period, however, is five seconds.

Why is it called a Taser?

Taser is an acronym, named for a fictional weapon: Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle. It was developed by Jack Cover, a NASA researcher, beginning in 1969. He completed the device, which he named after his childhood hero Tom Swift, in 1974. Taser is a registered trademark.

What is (arguably) the most infamous Taser incident? (aka 'Don't Tase me, bro!")

At a Sept. 17, 2007, Constitution Day forum at the University of Florida in Gainesville, during an address by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, a student was Tased by university police. Initially permitted to ask questions after the close of the question period, Andrew Meyer, 21, an undergraduate mass communication student, was removed from the forum by university police. During the struggle to arrest Meyer, one of the officers stunned him with a Taser. Several videos of the episode were then posted on the Internet. Mick Jones, former guitarist for The Clash, wrote and published a song inspired from the event, "Don't Tase Me, Bro."