What is a disadvantage of using a Taser?

Hitting with only one probe or missing the target altogether are significant concerns when using a Taser. This is because Tasers rely on the successful deployment of two probes that create a circuit through the body to deliver the electrical charge. If one probe misses or only one probe connects with the target, the Taser may not incapacitate the individual as intended. This ineffectiveness can put both the officer and the suspect at risk, particularly in situations where immediate control is necessary.

The functionality of the Taser is largely dependent on both probes making contact with the subject. When one probe fails to hit, the device may not deliver the full incapacitating effect, and this can lead to a dangerous escalation in the encounter if the target remains combative or attempts to flee. This aspect highlights a key limitation in relying solely on this intermediate weapon, impacting the overall safety and effectiveness of use in law enforcement scenarios.

While malfunctions, battery depletion, and target distance are valid concerns, they do not directly relate to the immediate effectiveness of the Taser in a physical confrontation as the issue of missing or only hitting with one probe does.