Incident Overview
A chaotic scene unfolded in Times Square last Monday when Pamela Cisneros, 49, armed with kitchen knives, attacked two people. The violence resulted in the death of a 32-year-old woman and left a 68-year-old man injured. New York City police commissioner Jessica Tisch described the event and the efforts officers made during a news conference.
Response and Outcome
Officers deployed Tasers on Cisneros in an attempt to subdue her, but these efforts proved ineffective. Cisneros, who refused to comply, advanced toward officers, which led to them opening fire. She was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Issues with Taser Effectiveness
The incident raises important questions about the failure of Tasers to stop Cisneros. The current understanding points to various factors that can influence Taser efficiency. Steve Keller, a retired police sergeant, identified clothing, probe placement, substance abuse, and connectivity as common causes for Taser failure. Additionally, depth of body fat can disrupt the connectivity necessary for the device to function properly.
Understanding Taser Mechanics
The manufacturer Axon explains that a Taser fires barbed probes, transmitting electrical pulses to induce involuntary muscle contractions. These pulses are more effective when probes make wide contact across large muscle areas like the thighs or back.
Factors Affecting Taser Success
If one probe hits a non-conductive area, such as thick clothing or body fat, the connection breaks, reducing effectiveness. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, supports Keller’s claim, stating that muscles conduct electricity better than fat, influencing Taser performance.
Additional Considerations
Beyond physical considerations, mental health can affect an individual’s response to a Taser. This was noted in the case of Cisneros, who had a documented history of mental health issues with the NYPD.