13. CEW ISSUING, MAINTENANCE, AND STORAGE                                  
  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
Identification tags                                  
Do not use metal tags: they are conductive and could cause the energy to be redirected back to the user or unit. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
Do not use a vibrating etching machine. This could compromise the integrity of the plastic and introduce foreign material into the device’s internal components. √ √     √ √                 √    
Instead, apply paper or plastic labels with the serial number or write the serial number on the CEW device in permanent ink. Contact customer service at TASER International for custom engraving. (TI v.14)
Testing protocol: spark test                                  
The CEW is to be tested routinely by each member by performing a 1-second spark test at the start of each shift, or once every 24 hours.(TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √     √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Perform power and spark test daily, and always after replacing battery tray or charging batteries. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
All CEWs should be spark-tested prior to field deployment (1 second); never rely on light emitting diode (LED).             √                    
Never rely on LED to determine if the CEW is functioning properly; a spark test is necessary.                 √       √        
To complete a spark test, place safety switch in the down (SAFE) position, remove the CEW cartridge, place safety switch in the up (ARMED) position, perform √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
spark test for one second and check for rapid pulse rate, return safety switch to the down (SAFE) position, replace cartridge. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14)
The officer must look for proper arcing between contact points and listen for any breaks in the spark test.                       √          
One spark (1/19th of a second) is adequate. However, this is not a practical duration.  As long as the officer sees a visible spark between the electrodes, it is √ √   √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
not necessary to extend the duration.  In most cases, this requires less than one second. (TI v.13, v.14)
The spark test is used to verify the CEW device is working and that the batteries are performing and are adequately charged. Also, there are components in the high √ √   √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
voltage section of the CEW that are more reliable when energized (“conditioned”) on a regular basis. (TI v.13, v.14)
CEW care: maintenance protocol                                  
Avoid dropping the CEW as it is a sensitive electronic device. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Check batteries and DPM regularly. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Always store the TASER X26 with the DPM inserted. Failure to do so can result in corrupted data, clock errors, software problems, and weapon failure. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √   √     √ √ √   √ √ √ √  
Check expiration of CEW cartridges, which expire after five years. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Use only recommended batteries. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Secure in protective holster, when not in use. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Do not store in pockets without holster. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √   √ √ √ √ √
Avoid exposing TASER M/X26 to excessive moisture. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
If a CEW becomes completely submerged in liquid, return to manufacturer. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14) √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
If the CEW becomes wet but not completely submerged, turn the safety switch
down to SAFE, point the CEW in safe direction and remove the cartridge, remove		 √ √ √ √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
the battery pack/DPM, dry the CEW thoroughly (for at least 24 hours), reinstall battery pack/DPM, and turn the safety switch up to ARMED. If the CEW discharges
without pulling the trigger, remove batteries/DPM and return to manufacturer; complete a spark test for three full 5-second cycles. If the CEW does not function
properly, return it to the manufacturer. If the spark test is normal, return the CEW to service. (TI v.12, v.13, v.14)
Occasionally wipe out the CEW cartridge firing bay with dry cloth.  Multiple cartridge firings create carbon buildup (particularly after training courses). (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
Use PDI Super Sani-Cloth (a powerful disinfectant) to wipe down any CEW that gets contaminated by any body fluids. This brand will not damage CEW weapon surfaces. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √   √ √ √       √ √     √ √ √ √
Periodically check and clean the lens with a cotton swab. (TI v.14) √ √     √ √                 √    
A quarterly clock reset should be conducted. (TI v.13, v.14) √ √     √ √         √     √ √   √
Recommend conducting a semi-annual download and clock reset (only by authorized/certified RCMP CEW instructors).       √           √           √  
A maintenance log should be kept.                 √       √        
Only qualified TASER Instructors are authorized to remove the XDPM or DPM (power source) from the TASER X26.                 √                
TASER M26 model batteries can be recharged without removing the battery tray by plugging the charger directly into the serial dataport. (TI v.12, v. 13, v.14) √     √ √         √           √ √