6. PROJECTILE ELECTRIC SHOCK WEAPONS Description: Projectile electric shock weapons are handheld, often pistol-shaped weapons that hold one or more cartridges, which usually fire two barbed darts or probes attached to wires and deliver an electric shock to the target. The brand name Taser is often used as a generic name for this weapon category. Alternative names for such weapons include electronic control device (ECD), electronic control weapon (ECW), conducted energy device (CED) and electrical discharge weapon (EDW). The wires connecting the weapon to the darts or probes are one of the principal distinguishing features of the weapon. Some electric shock projectile weapons incorporate a laser sight red dot which is used to target a person. Intended purpose: Projectile electric shock weapons are designed to temporarily incapacitate an individual by producing neuro muscular incapacitation, leading to the person collapsing (in most cases). The use of laser sight to project a red dot onto the target (called red-dotting) or a display of the electric current between the two electrodes (arcing) can be used by law enforcement officers to defuse violence or the threat of violence without the need for further recourse to force. Some projectile electric shock weapons are also equipped with a “drive-stun mode”, which applies a localized electric shock by direct contact with the skin or clothing, without having to fire a cartridge. This causes pain only, and not incapacitation. Given the broad range of less harmful force options available to law enforcement officers within touching distance of a person, it is not clear what legitimate law enforcement role drive stun mode could perform during assembly policing. Possible health and/or human rights implications of use in policing assemblies: A person upon whom such a weapon is used feels severe pain upon impact. The temporary loss of voluntary muscle control can cause the target to collapse without being able to protect themselves. Secondary injuries from collapse/falls