The Truth About Tasers

As fans of crime fiction, we love the thrill of a well-told story. But let’s take a moment to pull back the curtain on one of the most enduring tropes in the genre: the idea that a TASER can render someone unconscious with a single zap. Today, we’re going to debunk that myth and shed a little light on how these devices really work.

First things first: TASER is actually a brand name. It stands for “Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle,” a nod to the fictional boy inventor Tom Swift. The company behind the TASER, now known as Axon, developed it as a less-than-lethal tool for law enforcement. While we often use the word “taser” generically, it’s important to remember that it’s a specific brand with its own origin story.

Now, let’s talk about how a TASER works and why the trope of instant unconsciousness is more fiction than fact. A TASER works by delivering an electric pulse that temporarily overrides the body’s muscle control. It can cause someone to lose coordination and fall, but it doesn’t make them pass out. The moment the electric current stops, the person typically regains control quite quickly. So, that dramatic scene where a suspect is knocked out cold for minutes on end? That’s pure Hollywood magic.

There are two primary ways a TASER can be used. The first is the deployment of probes. In this mode, the TASER fires two small darts that attach to the target and deliver the shock from a short distance. This is the scenario you’re probably most familiar with. The second mode is called a “drive stun,” where the TASER is pressed directly against the person’s body. In this case, the probes never leave the device, and if the person moves away, the contact is broken, and the current stops.

This distinction is important. It means that TASERs are tools of temporary compliance, not instruments of prolonged unconsciousness. The moment the connection is broken or the trigger is released, the effect ends. This is a far cry from the scenes we see on screen, where someone is conveniently knocked out for as long as the plot requires.

In the world of crime fiction, getting these details right adds an extra layer of authenticity. Knowing that a TASER is a brand with a unique history, and understanding how it truly works, can enrich both your reading and writing experiences. After all, the best stories are the ones that feel grounded in reality, even when they take us on a thrilling ride.

So the next time you come across a TASER scene in a novel or a film, you’ll know the real story behind the device. And if you’re crafting your own tales, you now have the inside scoop to make your scenes even more believable.

Until next time, happy reading!