12. CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND METHODS                                  
  Municipal Police Forces Other Agencies
  Abbotsford Central Saanich Delta Kitasoo Nelson New West Oak Bay Port Moody Saanich Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police Transit Authority Police Vancouver Victoria West Van Corrections RCMP Sheriffs
General training authority                                  
TASER International does not certify end users. This is left to the individual agencies. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Training material and information specific to the introduction to the CEW is
provided by the manufacturer, which also provides certification in the use of its		                                 √
products. Select lead instructors receive Master Instructor certification in the use of CEWs as part of their professional development. These Master Instructors then
certify trainers within their own service.
The user should complete instruction under the guidance of a certified instructor.
(TI v. 13)		                         √       √
Use-of-force instructors are certified by Sheriff Services and the Justice Institute of BC. (JI)3                                 √
To become a TASER Master Instructor, an officer must attend a TASER Master Instructor School. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
TASER Master Instructors may certify others as TASER Instructors by presenting the two-day certification course. (TI v.13, v. 14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Materials required for training                                  
Check the TASER International website 72 hours prior to presenting a class to ensure you are using the most current version of the training DVD and lesson plan, and to review all current training bulletins. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √               √ √   √
Duration of the course                                  
User certification includes 4 hours of training instruction.                                 √
User certification includes 5 hours of training instruction.                         √        
User certification includes 6 hours of training instruction. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √           √     √      
User certification includes 7 hours of training instruction.                             √    
User certification includes 8 hours of training instruction.           √           √          
User certification includes 16 hours of training instruction.       √           √           √  
Instructor certification includes 14 hours of training instruction.                         √        
Instructor certification includes 16 hours of training instruction. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
Instructor certification includes 32 hours of training instruction.       √           √           √  
Excited delirium training is a separate 4-hour course.                         √        
Force options training is initially seven days at the recruit level and covers decision-making and use-of-force levels, incorporating all approved use-of-force tools                                 √
(i.e., stuns, strikes, control holds, pressure areas, baton, pepper spray, CEW, firearm, handcuffs, etc).
Candidate selection                                  
The CEW user course is open to all department members       √           √     √     √  
Members who have completed the user’s course, have operational experience with CEWs and are currently in or expect to fill a training capacity within the department are eligible to take the CEW instructor course.                         √        
A member interested in becoming a CEW user applies to take the training course.                       √          
Any members taking the user course must be currently certified in first aid.       √           √           √  
CEW course applicants must be competent with basic force option skills as demonstrated in the field.                       √          
Any members taking the user course must be currently certified in the use of the police defensive baton, pepper spray, carotid control technique, and the service pistol. (TI v.13)       √           √           √  
To become a TASER Master Instructor requires experience as a TASER Instructor; five years as a sworn officer and/or military service; two years of instructor √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
experience and a minimum of 12 TASER user courses taught. (TI v.13, v.14)
Candidates take approved training courses in instructional techniques, etc., and later spend, on average, one to two years in an apprenticeship/mentoring                                 √
relationship before being certified to take the lead in any use-of-force or firearms training event.
Use of the CEW is taught as part of Sheriff Services’ Force Options curriculum, training that is provided to every deputy in the province.                                 √
Sheriff branch instructors are certified through a provincial use-of-force curriculum and instructor certification course under the aegis of the Police Academy,                                 √
after undergoing a development and training program through which they are selected. Candidates are chosen through a rigorous process involving a work
performance check, a screening for suitability, and a panel review of various competencies.
Instructor to student ratio                                  
Maximum student to instructor ratio for both user and instructor training is 20:1.                         √        
Maximum student to instructor ratio for user and instructor training is 4:1.       √           √           √  
Maximum student to instructor ratio for user and instructor training is 8:1. (TI v.13)                           √      
Training structure and methods                                  
Instructional strategies or method of instruction                                  
Instructors must use the TASER International user course lesson plan in its entirety. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Coursework shall include all topics in user lesson plan, including all drills and functional demonstrations. (TI v.13)                           √      
The instructor courses may utilize a variety of teaching techniques including lecture, guided discussion, demonstration, performance, role plays and scenarios.       √           √           √  
The CEW user course will be taught using lecture, demonstration, and scenario methods. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
The CEW user course begins in a classroom setting with an overview of the course. Students receive a CEW manual and are shown a PowerPoint presentation, which is discussed. This is followed by reality-based training.                       √          
Instructor candidates will undergo training which includes advanced technical instruction and teaching evaluations. √ √     √ √             √   √    
Members will be evaluated individually based specifically on the material covered during the training session.                         √        
CEW user certification involves a classroom review, a test, and reality-based training.                       √          
Assessment                                  
Assessment criteria: General                                  
The HR Training NCO and all of the certified CEW instructors will use the same criteria for evaluating each member.  There will be no latitude for subjectivity during the conduct of these evaluations.                         √        
Written examination                                  
A copy of each user’s certification test should be kept in department records to validate certification. (TI v.13)                           √      
Users must pass a written examination of relevant material covered in training.
(TI v.13, v.14)		 √ √     √ √         √ √ √ √ √ √ √
To certify both instructors and users, written examinations will be of short answer, fill-in-the-blanks, and/or true/false format. √ √     √ √ √ √ √       √ √ √   √
To certify CEW users, a written examination requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.                         √        
Minimum standards to be certified as a user include passing a written test with a minimum score of 80%. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
Minimum standards to be certified as a TASER Instructor include passing a written test with a minimum score of 90%. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √             √   √    
To be certified as a CEW user, officers must identify components of the CEW on a diagram. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √ √ √         √ √ √   √
To be certified as a CEW user, officers must confirm their understanding of how the CEW is utilized on the use-of-force framework.       √     √     √     √     √ √
Functional and scenario-based training                                  
An user must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the function and use of the CEW. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
Topics from this class will be evaluated via performance checklist during the practical applications conducted during the class. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
The member must show competency in all of the practical drills to pass.       √           √           √  
Practical tests will be scored Certified (C) or Incomplete (I).  A score of Certified (C) will be given for those able to proficiently demonstrate the task without any additional instruction beyond that provided during the training session.                         √        
Recommended user certification includes firing four CEW cartridges (one simulation cartridge for scenario training is recommended). The user should fire one CEW                           √      
cartridge during the instruction course and three CEW cartridges during the final test. (TI v.13)
A standardized certified competency evaluation will be conducted for each member.                         √        
A CEW user should pass the functional tests for certification and re-certification.
(TI v.13)		                     √     √     √
All scenario-based training must be conducted with the use of live simulation (LS)
air cartridges only.		       √           √           √  
Scenario training evaluation is based on whether the proper approach was used taking into account cover, distance, and scanning tactics; whether there was       √           √   √       √  
communication between the officers before, during, and after the incident; whether there was communication with the subject before, during, and after the incident;
whether there was the appropriate force used including de-escalation tactics; and whether “TASER, TASER, TASER” was verbalized.
During CEW deployment users will be evaluated on their approach, distance, verbal commands, firing to target, malfunction/reload/transition, and push-stun.             √   √     √ √        
The CEW user’s course requires members to go through a minimum of two scenarios, once as a CEW user and once as a backup.                       √          
All members will engage in practical scenario-based certified competency evaluations. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Candidates will be given a skill display test and use role playing to ensure they can properly utilize the CEW in an effective and proficient manner. Candidates will be       √           √           √  
required to demonstrate proper use of the CEW and to explain and provide legal articulation of their actions to the instructor.
Instructors engage in additional practical scenario training involving preparation and safety; pre-scenario briefing; monitoring and professionalism.       √           √           √  
Simulator training (scenario-based training without live-fire exercises) is a valuable and effective supplemental training tool, but is not a substitute for live-fire exercises required for initial and annual CEW certifications. √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Officers learn to fill out use-of-force reports by filling out a practice report based on a video scenario example.       √           √           √  
Remedial training and course failure                                  
Remedial training will only be given for the practical portion of the course. If a member fails to complete the safe-rip-reload-reassess portion in the required                           √      
10 seconds, they may be given one re-test. In the event a member fails the written exam and/or the second practical re-test, the member is to be scheduled for another CEW course. (TI v.13)
A score of Incomplete (I) will be given for those unable to demonstrate the task after reasonable corrective feedback (three attempts). Those with incomplete grades                         √        
will not be certified to carry or operate a CEW. Remedial training will be provided to those requiring it.
A member can fail the course by failing the exam or by demonstrating confused or poor decision making in the reality-based training.                       √          
Any instructor candidate receiving any evaluation of “Incomplete” will not be certified as an instructor.                         √        
User certification students who do not hit the target during practical testing should be run through aiming drills, and directed to fire again. Users should not be certified until they have passed both firing tests. (TI v.13)                           √      
A CEW user candidate must achieve a competent rating in each component of the course in order to receive credit for the course. Candidates for CEW instructor       √           √           √  
who do not achieve a competent rating will be given learning assistance as necessary and will be required to take the test over, at the discretion of the facilitators.
Length of certification validity and re-certification requirements                                
User certification requires annual re-certification. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √ √4 √4 √4   √   √ √ √    
Follow-up training on the CEW is done as part of the two-year Force Options re-certification process, which is required under the present policy of the branch.                                 √
Instructor certification is valid for two years. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Re-certifying instructors are required to complete the entire two-day program. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √               √ √    
TASER Master Instructor certification is valid for two years. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Regular members of the RCMP who have successfully completed the CEW user’s course must take the re-certification course every year.       √           √           √  
User re-certification training is 2.5 hours.                           √      
User re-certification is a minimum 4-hour training course.       √           √           √  
User re-certification training is 5 hours.                       √          
Maximum student to instructor ratio for user re-certification is 4:1.       √           √           √  
User re-certification involves scenario training. (TI v.13)                 √         √     √
User re-certification includes firing two cartridges. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √   √ √ √   √
User re-certification is a presentation. (TI v.13)                           √      
User re-certification involves a classroom review, a test, and reality-based training.                       √          
Learning objectives and content                                  
Learning objectives                                  
The purpose of CEW user training is to ensure that all members are competent in the force context of use and operational deployment of CEWs.                         √        
For the TASER Instructor course, a candidate given persons to be trained and a lesson plan must be able to instruct users in the proper deployment and safety of the CEW. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
The goals of CEW user training are to increase officer safety, reduce the possibility of serious injury to officers and suspects alike, and to enhance the liability                         √        
position of the department by conducting certified competency evaluations in this area of police use of force.
General content guidelines                                  
CEW user training includes proper physical deployment techniques and tactics, background information on CEWs, how they physiologically affect a human being,                         √        
policy and procedures, and the use-of-force context in accordance with the NUFF.
TASER Instructors and users will be able to articulate policy and procedures in the area of users, state the Force Options context of CEWs in accordance with the                         √ √      
NUFF, identify the follow-up procedures associated with CEWs’ deployment, and properly administer CEWs and the associated tactics in accordance with
certification standards; TASER Instructors will demonstrate an ability to instruct all aspects of the lesson plan. (TI v.13)
During training officers review the IM/IM and link all discussed scenarios and situations back to the model.       √           √           √  
The introduction focuses on technical knowledge, specifications, familiarity with
the operating principles, and effectiveness of the device. The actual use-of-force		                                 √
applications and situational training (when to employ the CEW and why) is also incorporated into the context of the other use-of-force tools and broader Force Options training.
Drills training                                  
CEW handling and pre-deployment drills                                  
Users will engage in a CEW digital readout test.             √   √     √ √        
Users must know how to properly check battery pulse rate. (TI v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √         √ √  
Users will learn to remove and reinstall battery correctly. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √ √   √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Users will check and change laser and tac light.             √                    
Users will know how to utilize the laser and fixed sights. (TI v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √         √ √  
Users will engage in several repetitions of unholstering and holstering.       √         √ √   √       √  
The ready drill involves drawing the CEW from its holster, keeping finger off the trigger, pointing the CEW in safe direction, and moving the safety switch to the ARMED position.                     √     √     √
Users will know and demonstrate proper finger positions for aiming and firing. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √   √
Users will engage in a spark test drill.             √   √     √ √        
The objective of the spark drill is to provide each student the practical training to safely and properly operate the safety switch and trigger on the CEW.       √           √ √     √   √ √
User can control unit adequately when commanded “arm-spark-safe” at random; user understands safety switch and trigger fully. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √   √
User will know when the CEW device is armed and ready to deploy. (TI v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √         √ √  
The cartridge loading drill requires users to remove batteries, treat the CEW as a loaded weapon, always ensure the safety switch is placed in the SAFE position,                     √     √     √
keep fingers away from blast doors, point weapon in a safe direction, and keep finger off the trigger.
Reload CEW five times in 15 seconds (watch finger position; fingers in front of blast door results in disqualification). (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √   √
Users must practice CEW cartridge loading and reloading.       √     √   √ √   √ √     √  
Users must be able to reload in a safe and proper manner. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
The objective of CEW cartridge loading and reloading drills is to familiarize student with proper loading techniques, considering tactics and safety.                     √     √     √
All members will engage in physical practice of ensuring the CEW is operationally ready.                         √        
All members will engage in physical practice of drawing, loading, unloading and reloading air cartridges.                         √        
Users understand how the CEW device overrides and controls the sensory and motor functions of the nervous systems of a subject. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
All members will engage in physical practice of aiming and sighting the CEW.                         √        
The objective of the aiming drill is to provide adequate practice to familiarize the students with use of the safety switch, laser sight, and verbal commands.                     √     √     √
User must understand probe placement and ballistics. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
Training drills are conducted under stressful conditions that simulate what the officer will encounter in the field in a violent encounter. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
CEW deployment drills                                  
All members will engage in physical practice of firing the CEW.       √           √     √     √  
User certification includes firing at least two cartridges. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √   √ √ √   √
User certification includes firing at least four to six cartridges, including failure drills and scenario drills.       √           √           √  
All students will fire several cartridges and will be required to show proficiency in weapon handling and accuracy. (TI v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √         √ √  
Firing cartridges during training is important for officer safety because accuracy is critical to the successful deployment of CEWs. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Firing cartridges during training familiarizes the user with the functions of the system and tests his or her aptitude. (TI v.13)                           √      
Through the live-fire drill, users become familiar with the sight, sound, and feel of an air cartridge being deployed; are able to put both probes on a target; and become accustomed to using the fixed sights and laser sight.       √           √ √     √   √ √
User fires the CEW to a static target.             √   √     √ √        
User fires CEW to a static target without the use of the laser sight.                 √     √          
Users will draw the CEW, hit a target at 8 feet, reload, hit a second target at 12 feet with laser sight within a 10-second time limit. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Users will engage in failure drills.       √           √           √  
Post-deployment drills                                  
Users will engage in several repetitions of controlling the subject while being incapacitated by the CEW to handcuffing.                 √     √          
Proper probe removal technique must be demonstrated and explained. Candidates will have to remove probes from a given target (foam block wrapped with one layer of “inner tube” 0.05 to 0.08 cm thick).       √           √           √  
Learn procedures to properly and safely remove probes from subject.
(TI v.14)		 √ √     √ √                 √    
Members shall not remove darts that have punctured the skin of a subject and have remained imbedded; this shall only be done by a qualified medical doctor.                           √