Machine tests Tasers' zapping strength

A new machine will allow police to test the strength of their Tasers, but that doesn't necessarily mean B.C. law enforcement will put it to use.

Datrends Systems, a Richmond, B.C., medical instrument manufacturing company, has created Verus One, a machine that will provide the exact measurement of the electrical output of Tasers.

"If you're over-producing, there may be a problem with the person that you've shot – in damage to them," Ron Evans of Datrends told CTV News. "If it is under-producing, it may not have the effect that the officer expects, putting him in danger."

It's taken Datrends six months to create the machine, which is the first to measure Taser power.

"A test will tell you if it meets the specification as Taser put them out originally," Evans said.

After the death of Robert Dziekanski, the Braidwood inquiry recommended police find a way to test their weapons regularly as each Taser performs differently.

But the Taser specifications pre-programmed into the machines have yet to be verified independently.

"We need someone independent of Taser to look at that protocol and say, yes, this is actually something that will ensure the device performs as expected, that it will not unexpectedly kill people," executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association David Eby said.

Despite the Braidwood recommendation, the B.C. solicitor general's office will only say it's interested in learning more about the machine.

Datrends will be holding a demonstration at the international policing conference this weekend to showcase the item.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger

Taser performance testing instrument unveiled at international police show

April 29, 2010
TASERS: PERFORMANCE TESTING INSTRUMENT UNVEILED AT INT'L POLICE SHOW
Richmond BC Company Makes Testing of TASER® Weapons Easy and Affordable With New Device
Attention: Health/Medical Editor, News Editor, Tech/Telecomm Editor, World News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, MEDIA ADVISORY--(Marketwire - April 29, 2010) - Datrend Systems Inc., a Richmond BC company, has developed a new device which will enable police services to test and confirm the electrical performance of its TASER® arsenal on a routine basis. Designed for use by police officers rather than laboratory specialists, the tabletop device automatically performs the electrical tests recommended in the Report of the Braidwood Inquiry(1) in addition to tests specified by the weapon manufacturer. Test records produced and maintained by the device provide objective, documented evidence of weapon conformance. Cost-effective and flexible, the device may be set to pass or fail a weapon based on acceptability criteria defined by the manufacturer, law enforcement agency, or government.

"As a leading supplier of biomedical test instruments to hospitals around the world, our testers are used every day to assure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices that apply electricity in treatment or diagnosis" says Ron Evans, President of Datrend Systems Inc. "We've adapted years of experience and know-how in testing of electromedical devices to the needs of the public and the police for greater, ongoing assurance of TASER® electrical output."

The test device, Verus One, is relevant to any jurisdiction worldwide in which TASERS may be deployed, including the Department of Defense, Corrections Facilities and others. Verus One will be demonstrated at the 2010 International Conference for Police and Law Enforcement Executives in Toronto Canada on May 2. The product is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2010.

(1) Restoring Public Confidence: Restricting the Use of Conducted Energy Weapons in British Columbia, (http://www.braidwoodinquiry.ca/)