You arrest and handcuff a subject for a warrant. He is fully compliant. Can you tase him in handcuffs?

• A. No
• B. Yes, if the subject is compliant
• C. Yes, in an emergency
• D. Only with supervisor approval

Answer: (A)

Using force must stay proportional to the threat. A taser is a tool for gaining control when a subject resists or poses danger. If the person is already handcuffed and fully compliant, there is no ongoing threat or resistance to justify using a taser. Deploying it in this moment would be excessive, can cause injury or medical complications, and is generally not supported by use-of-force policies. Only if the situation escalates into active danger or resistance would a higher level of force become appropriate. Emergency conditions or supervisor approval don’t change that the current situation has no justification for taser use.